David Nevins Smith, 75, of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia passed away peacefully Sunday, March 26, 2023.
David was predeceased in death by his parents Ralph Winchester Smith and Dulcie Lightner Smith, a brother Steven Brewster Smith, and a brother-in-law Robert S. Steiff, Sr.
David is survived by his wife of 32 years Anne Mitchell Straughan; his two sisters Barbara Anne Smith and Dulcie Lynn Wright (Allen); and his two sisters-in-law Nancy Austin (Thom) and Mary Katherine Kienzle (Trevor). David is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
David was a native of Richmond, VA. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1970, serving in Viet Nam in 1968 and 1969, where he was injured. He also earned the Bronze Star Medal and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters for his achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. After he was injured in the war, he was selected to work in intelligence in Germany until the end of his tour of duty. After the war, he returned to Virginia and spent most of his career in sales. David had a larger-than-life personality and never met a stranger. He was extremely sharp witted, and he could always make you laugh.
David loved his Golden Retrievers, woodworking, photography, cooking, boating, watching car auctions and food shows on TV. He especially enjoyed watching the news and keeping up with politics and current events. He loved traveling to places such as the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, Hawaii, Florida, California, the Outer Banks and Hilton Head Island. Later in life, David enjoyed the simplicity of Chincoteague Island where he could watch the launches from Wallops Island and go over to Assateague Island to photograph the wild ponies.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.