David Coe Smith

November 23, 1950 – May 31, 2025

David Coe Smith, age 74, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on May 31, 2025. He was born on November 23, 1950, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to LeRoy David Smith and Rosemary Paris Smith. He was the beloved brother of Dorothy Carol McMahill and Kathryn Elizabeth Strider.

David honorably served in the United States Army, enlisting in 1974 and retiring as a decorated veteran on June 30, 1994. On May 9, 1987, he married the love of his life, Nemie Cabanero Suarez. Together, they raised two sons, Jonathan Coe Suarez Smith and Christopher David Suarez Smith.

Following his military retirement, David dedicated himself to education and community service. He began teaching at Nolan Middle School in Killeen, where he spent many years shaping young minds. In the final five years of his career, he transitioned to serving as a truancy officer for the school district, continuing his commitment to student welfare and academic success until his retirement in June 2019.

David is survived by his devoted wife, Nemia Smith; his sons, Jonathan and Christopher Smith; and his cherished grandchildren, Leo and Aria Smith.

A visitation for David will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. A funeral service will follow from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Military honors will be rendered at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

In tribute to David’s love of life, laughter, and travel, we invite guests to wear comfortable Hawaiian or motorcycle-themed attire. Traditional funeral attire is also welcome—please come as you feel most comfortable to honor his memory. For those who are not able to physically attend, please email [email protected] to be invited to a private live stream.

David will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched as a soldier, teacher, and mentor. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege and honor to know him.