David Nelson Smith, age 78, of Conover, NC, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at his residence. Born July 17, 1940 in Gaston County, NC, he was the son of the late David Lee Smith and Amanda Maude Sellers Smith.
David was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover, NC, where he had served as President of the Congregation, President of the Lutheran Laymen’s League, on the Board of Mission and Ministry, and also as an usher and greeter. He was a graduate of Tryon School in Bessemer City, NC, and received both his bachelors and masters degree in education from Appalachian State University. In 2012 he was inducted into the Black & Gold Society at Appalachian State University. David retired from Catawba Valley Community College where he had worked for over 37 years as a professor of business education and information systems. David was a former volunteer and board member of ECCCM and served as the membership chairman for Camp Linn Haven Boosters Club. He was a member of Rock Barn Golf & Spa for over 40 years. From 1982-1997 he was part owner and member of the board of directors and served as secretary for the corporation. David was an avid golfer and enjoyed Newton-Conover High School football and Appalachian State Mountaineer football. He also enjoyed playing bridge with the Senior Bridge Group at the Conover YMCA.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Derriel Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra “Sandy” Yount Smith; daughters, Shelley S. Seales and husband, Bryson, of Mooresville, NC; and Ashley S. Lindsay and husband, Keith, of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter, Faith Seales; sister, Patsy S. Rountree and husband, Joe, of Grover, NC; sister-in-law, Joan Smith of Kings Mtn, NC; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all who will miss his sweet gesture of handing out $2 bills.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Concordia Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul Nelson and Vicar Alex Sloter officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 AM on Friday and also following the service. Pallbearers will be: David Pingel, Herman “Smitty” Bolick, John Hemmings, Jimmy Spencer, Doug Brady, and Steve Bost. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Lutheran Laymen’s League.
Condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.drumfh-conover.com.
The family would like to express their thanks to David’s caregivers, Wanda, Yolanda, Kat, and Tangi; Catawba Regional Hospice’s staff, Crystal, Rachel, and Tonya; and their Pallative Care nurse, Jacqulyn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: David N. Smith Scholarship, CVCC Foundation, Inc., 2550 Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC, 28602, or to Camp Linn Haven, PO Box 1096, Conover, NC, 28613, or to Concordia Lutheran Church, 216 5th Ave. SE, Conover, NC, 28613.
The Smith family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Conover, NC.
