He was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Banks Brown.
A graduate of Tabb High School, he continued his education by earning an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology and graduating Magna Cum Laude with high honors from the Engineering Technician Apprentice Program at NASA. He enjoyed many years working and making friends at both NASA and COSTCO. Donald also served six years in the Army National Guard.
During his elementary and high school years, Donald took great pride in serving as his class treasurer, grades 5-12. His propensity for socialization extended to Costco, where he enthusiastically greeted the customers, and at Cary’s Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. Donald delighted to interact with fellow worshippers until his health began to fail.
He is survived by his father, Benjamin O. Smith, sister Anita Howard (Barry), two brothers, Gerod Smith, and Gary Smith (Joseph); three nephews Corey, Chris, and Gerod Jr., two nieces, Tiffany, and Kasey; one great niece, Dream; one great nephew Nazir (USN), along with a host of other family members.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton VA, directly followed by the Celebration of Life Ceremony at 12:30 PM. Interment to follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens, at 2:00 PM at 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton VA 23666, officiated by Reverend Evelyn Staton.
Many thanks to Jewish Family Services for their help.
The service will be live-streamed on the Parklawn Wood Funeral Home Facebook page, you can join by clicking the "JOIN LIVESTREAM" button below.
