David "Dave" Leon Smith Jr.

Dave was born on November 27, 1941, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved to Albany, Georgia while still young. He was a boy scout and he graduated from Albany High School. His first job was working with his dad at Hormel Packing Company where he was the youngest salesman at 17 years of age.

His love of golf began early. After high school, he attended the University of Georgia and began working at Glen Arven Country Club in Thomasville, Georgia where he would become Head Professional. In May of 1966, he became a member of the PGA Georgia-Alabama Section which would eventually become the Dixie Section. After moving to Alabama he spent 17 years at Vestavia Country Club as their Director of Golf and Head Professional. In 1988, Dave became the Director of Golf at Bent Brook Golf Course in Bessemer, Alabama. Dave played a major role in the development of Bent Brook. During his 23 years at Bent Brook, one of his main priorities was the growth of not only the golf course but the game of golf itself. He was also instrumental in the development of the Glen at Bent Brook neighborhood. He retired as a Life Member of the PGA of America on January 1, 2012.

Dave was the recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 1988 and 1990 and Merchandiser of the Year (Public) Award in 2004. He served as Secretary of the Dixie Section PGA from 1989-1991 and the Vice President from 1991-1992. Dave qualified for the PGA Professional Championship from 1973 to 1984, was the Low Professional in the Alabama Open in 1974, Dixie Section Champion in 1976, Alabama Chapter Champion in 1988, a contestant in the Bruno’s Memorial Classic in 1994 and 1996, and played in the 1996 PGA Senior Championship.

While being a golf professional was his greatest joy in life, the adoration he had for his wife, Johna, surpassed his love of golf. Whether it was playing golf with Johna or traveling with her and her sister, Jamie. Dave also loved playing in the dog fight with his buddies and was a lifelong Georgia Bulldog, although he became an Alabama fan as well because he loved to see his wife happy.

Preceding him in death are his parents, David Leon Smith and Mary Guy Smith; his father-in-law, Johnny Singleton; and his sister-in-law, Stacie Hollon.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 20 years, Johna Singleton Smith; his children, Le Smith (Cindy); Kathy Smith Turner (Billy); and Greg Smith (Helen Kathryn); his seven grandchildren, Amy Turner; Taylor Turner; Mary Kate Smith; Griffin Smith; Fergunson Smith; KK Smith; and Lochlan Smith; and his sister, Rosemary Smith May. Dave is also survived by Johna’s family whom he loved and cherished dearly, including, his mother-in-law, Dorothy Singleton; sister-in-law, Jamie L Singleton; nieces and nephews, Claire Hollon; Spencer Hollon; and Maddie Hollon. He also leaves behind his sweet puppy, Daisy, who he was so in love with.

A visitation will be held at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Monday, December 27, 2021, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a celebration of life service beginning at noon. Burial will follow immediately after at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.

Pallbearers will be Le Smith, Greg Smith, Taylor Turner, Norman Clay, Jim Lovette, Larry Ezelle, David Vann, and Ellis Hill along with honorary pallbearers, Frank Vines, Steve Schepker, and AC Blalock.