David Carl Smith

David C. Smith, of Southport, NC, and Ocean, NJ, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He was 75. Born in Hazleton, PA, on November 16, 1950, he was the son of Elwood and Ruth Smith.

Known throughout his life for his hard work and dedication, Dave proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Among the enlisted men in his unit, he was honored to be selected to tour with Bob Hope during his holiday shows, an experience he cherished and often recalled with pride.

Following his military service, Dave built a forty-year career in international air and ocean supply-chain logistics, where he was deeply respected for his expertise and unwavering commitment. Outside of work, he was an avid reader, a talented cook, and a lifelong sports enthusiast who loved playing golf and following a wide range of professional teams. Dave even enjoyed watching sports on the local level, and one of his greatest joys was watching his grandson Zeke’s baseball games.

If there was one word that defined Dave, it was selfless. He truly had a servant’s heart and generously gave his time, energy, and love to his family and to the communities he called home in both New Jersey and North Carolina. He coached baseball and served as a youth advisor at Tower Hill – First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank. In retirement, his commitment to service continued as he became an active member of the Kiwanis Club, Meals on Wheels, and Men in Faith at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Southport.

His greatest joy, however, was his family—especially his wife, JoEllen (Myers) Smith, with whom he recently celebrated 54 years of marriage, as well as his children and grandchildren, and his precious French bulldog, Lila, who were the center of his world.

Dave was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Timothy Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife, JoEllen; his son, Kevin, and fiancée, Lisa Tortolani; his daughter, Amanda, and husband, Matt Agresti; his grandchildren, Zeke, Eli, and Jonah Agresti, and Madelyn and Chloe Smith; his future step-grandchildren, Susie, Tony, and Liv Tortolani; his sister, Mary Louise Mikalowski; his sister-in-law, Barbara, and her husband, Ron Sickles; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dave will be forever remembered for his humble and selfless devotion to others, his intelligence, and his quiet wit. To his family, he remains a role model and a hero, someone whose example they will strive to follow, because he made the world infinitely better simply by being in it. He was a blessing to all who knew him and will be missed beyond measure.

A memorial service will be held in New Jersey on Friday, December 5 at 4:00 PM at Central Baptist Church, 28 East Highland Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. The service may be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/live/2w9V6l1bxlk

A second service will be held in North Carolina on Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport-Supply Rd. SE, Southport, NC 28461.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to:

Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island, PO Box 11487, Southport, NC 28461

https://www.soikiwanis.com/donations

or

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.