David Smith was born on April 9, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Villard and Lena Mae Smith. David was the sixth of nine siblings.
He attended Main Street and Orchard Knob Elementary, Orchard Knob Junior High and was a proud graduate of Riverside High School, Class of 1966. Among his high school classmates, David was voted Mr. Handsome. David attended Chattanooga City College and worked at Sunnyside Elementary School until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. David proudly served in the Vietnam War. Upon honorable discharge, David attended Chattanooga State Technical College and worked as a supervisor in the dye unit for Buster Brown. Later, David worked at Sears in Hamilton Place Mall.
David was a proud member of the 212th Transportation Unit and served tours of duty in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. David was a dedicated and active member of Riverside Alumni Class of 1966 and the AMVETS/Post #36.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Villard and Lena Mae Smith; brothers, Rousaw Smith; sisters, Mabel (Fredrick) Ramsey and Betty White; nephews, Larry Hampton, Phil Hampton, Donald Ramsey and Ricky Smith.
He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Carolyn) Smith; sisters, Virginia (Billy) Spann, Violet Nolton, Marilyn Smith and Doris Smith (caregiver), and a devoted companion for over 30 years, Camille (Terri) Ghiden Graves. David also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who will greatly miss our beloved Uncle David.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 19, from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 20, at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Reverend Johnny Horne, pastor of Solid Anchor Church/chaplain of AMVETS/Post #36 officiating. Interment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.
Final arrangements have been entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home,1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.