David E. Smalley

If you spent even a few minutes with Dave, you likely walked away encouraged. That was simply who he was. He believed deeply in people — in their potential, their resilience, their ability to rise higher than they thought possible. Whether he was speaking to a student struggling with algebra, an athlete straining toward the finish line, or a grandchild finding their way, Dave’s message was consistent: You can do this!

Born on June 23, 1942, in Ashland, Ohio, to Edgar and Sadie (Geiger) Smalley, and elder brother of Denny, Dave’s roots ran deep in the community he loved. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1960, leaving his mark both in the classroom and on the track. A three-sport athlete in basketball, baseball, and track, Dave set the 120-yard low hurdle record for the Arrow track team in 1960, a record that still stands today, a quiet testament to his determination and discipline.

He continued his education and athletic career at Ashland College (now Ashland University), graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education. While at AC, he competed in one year of basketball and four years of track and field, earning four varsity letters as a high jumper and hurdler. Even then, his love for sport was not just about competition — it was about growth, grit, and character.

After graduation, Dave began a 28-year career in education, primarily teaching mathematics. He had a gift for helping students make sense of complex problems, not just on paper, but in life. Yet coaching was never far from his heart. He began coaching while still in college, first working with junior high freshmen in basketball and track. Over time, he moved to the high school level, coaching boys’ track and cross country before launching the first girls’ cross country program at Ashland High School in 1980. In 1986, he led the girls’ 400-meter relay team to a State Championship — the first in Ashland High School girls track history. It was a milestone not only for the program, but for the many young women he mentored and believed in long before girls’ athletics received the recognition they deserved.

After retiring from teaching in 1992, Dave returned to his alma mater, Ashland University, as an assistant track and field coach. He also served for several years as the NCAA Compliance Officer. His dedication to coaching spanned six decades. Along the way, he was named Ohio High School Girls Track Coach of the Year in 1990, received the Coaches Longevity Award in 1997, was inducted into the Ohio High School Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998, and later into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Awards never defined him. The true measure of his legacy is found in the thousands of lives he influenced — athletes who became confident leaders, students who learned perseverance, and colleagues who found in him a steady, principled example.

At the center of Dave’s life was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Holly Paxton, on July 3, 1961. Together they built a life rooted in faith, commitment, and love. They raised five children: Scott (JoAnne), Steve (Chris), Staci, and Stephanie (Cary Hulin). He was preceded in death by his infant son, Todd, whose memory he carried always. His family grew to include nine grandchildren — Amber, Arika, Devin, Lainie, Kearstin, Candace, Clay, Seth, and Josh — and thirteen great-grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy. Dave was immensely proud of each of them. He cherished watching them pursue their dreams, cheering from the sidelines, just as he had done for so many others.

When he wasn’t at the track, Dave could be found enjoying the beach, golfing, tending his garden, following auto racing, or simply spending time with Holly and the family he treasured most.

Dave’s life was a race run with endurance, integrity, and purpose. He finished well — surrounded by the people he loved, leaving behind a legacy of encouragement, discipline, and unwavering belief in others.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at UH-Samaritan and UH-CMC CICU for their kind and compassionate care shown to Dave during his stay.

A private celebration of life will be held for the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Dave may be directed to The Coach David E. Smalley Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Ashland University (https://bit.ly/4r5wCrO) or to the American Heart Association.

Though he has stepped off the track, the echoes of his steady voice will continue to carry forward in all the lives he shaped.

Harter Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smalley family.