NEWPORT NEWS — David J. Smith, Sr., 73, passed away on Sunday, February 27 in Knoxville, TN. He was a native of Newport News, VA and had lived there all his life until 2007 when he and his wife, Pam moved to New Tazewell, TN and built their mountain-top dream home.
After Graduating from Newport News High School in 1969, David joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Observation Island and visited various ports of call all around the world. Once he retired from the Navy, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and he began working in a Civil Service position at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station and then at NOB in Norfolk, VA. David worked every opportunity he could to provide for his family and they were always his number one concern in life.
When they retired in Tennessee, David became an avid HAM Radio Operator and began making friends in “every holler in the mountains” with his radios and would lead their “Bible Net” each week with operators from Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky and as far away as Georgia. David was known affectionately by friends and family as the Gentle Giant or to his HAM Radio Operators as Ki4NSA.
One of Dad’s most favorite songs was performed by Ralph Stanley and it seemed so fitting of his faith and devotion.
“My latest sun is sinking fast
My race is nearly run
My strongest trials now are past
My triumph hath begun
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home”
David was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela J. Smith and his parents, Eugenia B. Smith and Lloyd E. Smith. David is survived by his son and best friend, David J. “Smitty” Smith Jr. of Williamsburg, VA; his daughter-in-law who he refused to call “in law” but just his daughter, Sherry M. Pesquera also of Williamsburg, and his brightest star and train watching buddy, his Grandson, Cameron J. Smith. He will also be missed by all of his family in the Monroe, Michigan area.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Weymouth Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Peninsula Memorial Park by Rev. Dennis Worsham. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.