Donald Smith

Donald Eugene Smith, 75, was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and uncle. For the past seven years, he was a resident of Richmond, Texas, where he passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. Donald was born on May 24, 1943, in Harrington, Delaware, to his loving parents, Ralph Smith and Delema Taylor. Donald was a graduate of William Henry High School. He was a long-time employee of the State of Delaware for 30 years as a custodian and later a foreman and maintenance technician. After retirement, he worked for Colonial Investments for over 10 years as a Licensed HVAC Technician. He was a Licensed Home Inspector, HVAC Tech, Fire School Certified, Pool Maintenance Tech, and a Wood Craftsman. Donald had many special talents and gifts. He had a long and successful career with many accolades, but what stood out the most was his faith in God and his sincere devotion to his family. He was a member of Fort Bend Baptist Church, located in Sugar Land, Texas. Before moving to Texas, he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dover, Delaware. In his early years he was a member of M.F. Chase Church. Donald was a Deacon, a 32nd Degree Mason, member of the William Henry Motorcycle Club and Alumni, Block Captain, and an Honorary Marine Dad to his marine sons. Donald was a GREAT MAN! He loved life and lived it abundantly, as God intended. He was vastly creative and had a vivid imagination and utilized his skills to make everything he touched beautiful. He could build and fix anything with his own two hands. There was no task too hard for him to figure out. He renovated houses, built room additions, inground BBQ grills with full outside kitchens from scratch, and always added beautiful personal design touches to the five homes he owned. Each home was magazine worthy. If you could think of it, he could build it. He loved taking care of his lawn. He spent hours making sure it was perfectly manicured. Growing flowers and gardening were just some of his hobbies. He played the saxophone, guitar, and a little piano. He enjoyed traveling, camping, drawing, and doing wood craft. He had a special passion and joy for riding motorcycles. He rode bikes for 52 years. He purchased his first bike in 1967 and his last in May 2018. He owned too many to list. His absolute joy was his family, especially his granddaughter, Bethany. Bethany, along with Donald’s loving wife Cynthia, who cared for him day in and day out until his very last breath. Donald, was passionate in his service to God and God’s people. He had a caring heart and kind spirit. He would do anything for anybody and do it to the very best of his ability. He was known as Donald, Dad, Smitty, Don, and Uncle Donald. Regardless if you were related to him or not, he was “The All American Dad” and Best Friend. His favorite passage of Scripture: “Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light Unto My Path” Psalm 119:105. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Smith, Delema Taylor, Albertha Smith, Elizabeth Harris, sister, Cheryl Smith and brother, David Smith. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cynthia Smith; daughter, Donna “Jeanie” Smith; son, Cornell W. Smith (Deitra Smith); adopted son, Steven Wines; brother, Douglas Smith (Darlene Smith); sisters, Sylvia Smith, Faye Smith, Cynthia Garner, and Sally Mills (Earnest Mills); grandchildren, Bethany Smith and adopted grandchild, Austin Wines; special in-laws, mother-in-law, Eleanor Manlove; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanette Glass (Carlton Sr., deceased), Tyrone Scott (Virginia), Gene Harris, Randolph Scott (deceased), Terinda Wisher (Benjamin), Stephanie Cornish (Thomas); godchildren, Candace Barnes, Kendall Smith, Teddy Dudley and Thomia Dudley; best friend, Elder Lawrence Craig; a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friends in Delaware, Houston, San Antonio, & Franklin, LA. Donald will be dearly missed by all who shared with him in life and love as he crossed many paths and touched many lives in the course of his journey. He is resting peacefully in the hands of the Lord. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Donald Smith

May 24, 1943 - January 9, 2019