Donnie Lee Smith, 62, of Orange, passed away on October 8, 2020 at his home.
A gathering will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, at Maranatha Christian Center in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Daniel Ray.
Born in Orange, Texas, on October 12, 1957, he was the son of Donald E. Smith and Melba Simmons Nation. He graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1975 and enlisted in the Air Force shortly after. Donnie was stationed in Panama and fell in love with the country. His dream was to one day return and live out his life there. After the Air Force, he became an Orange Firefighter. Donnie was a hard worker and being a firefighter was his passion. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his children, Brooke Fontenot and husband Hank and Heather Smith; grandchildren, Kayson Smith, Karlee Smith, Kaleigh Smith, Kennedy Smith, Hartley Fobbs, and Hudson Fobbs; siblings, Donna Howland and husband Marty, and Cindy Ray and husband Daniel; mother of his children and friend, Terri Pietrowicz; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. Smith and Melba Simmons Nation; grandson, Huntley Fontenot.
Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.
Condolences
Ken Bell Family
October 19, 2020
Ken Bell Family purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Donnie Lee Smith.
Kathy Buller
October 16, 2020
Brook, Heather, and family, May you find peace on the other side of sorrow. May you find comfort on the other side of loss. And most of all, may you find in this sad farewell, that love lives on in the memories of the heart. Donnie love to pay tackle football at the gun and hoses basketball game. He help me a lot during my time at the OFD. Kathy Staudt Buller
Bryan Small And Family
October 16, 2020
Bryan Small and family purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Donnie Lee Smith.
Judy K Toney
October 15, 2020
To all of Donnie's family, Brooke and her family, Donna, Marty and Jeremy Howland. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers for peace and comfort for all of you. Ronnie, Judy and Tonya Toney
Gayla
October 15, 2020
Brooke: I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad loved you very much and was so proud of you. Had many conversations with your dad and he was always talking about you.Take comfort in the many memories you have.
Britt Walters
October 15, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Donnie. I grew up with him on the same street and have a lot of fond memories of this man. Britt Walters