Dan Christopher Smith

He was born on August 27, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Milton Clay Smith and Ruth Garrison Smith. He grew up with his brothers, Mickey (Metta) and Steve (Debbie), and his late sisters, Sandra (Paul) and Beverly. From a young age, Dan believed deeply in equality and was never afraid to speak up when he encountered injustice. He carried that belief throughout his life, always looking for ways to make a difference.

Dan proudly served as a Captain in the Adjutant General Corps, United States Army, stationed in Korea, with duty stations at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Hood, Texas. During his service, he helped establish the IT department within his regiment, beginning what would become a long career in technology and information systems.

After leaving the military in 1969, Dan began a 45-year career in retail and information technology. Starting at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas, he went on to serve as Chief Information Officer at Goudchaux’s/Maison Blanche in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Younkers in Des Moines, Iowa; Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City; and ultimately Hudson’s Bay Company in Toronto, Canada. Dan was a true “big idea man” who had a remarkable ability to recognize the gifts and talents in others. He challenged people to think differently, encouraged them to grow, and took great pleasure in seeing them succeed. Upon retirement, Dan devoted much of his time and energy to his church and the Atlanta community. He worked to address the systems that contributed to hunger, poverty, and homelessness and served as a dedicated elder in the Presbyterian church.

Dan and his wife, Margy, were deeply committed to global mission. Together, they helped lead First Presbyterian Church’s support of the Cipó educational initiative in Brazil. Their work helped provide community learning centers, scholarships for students in need, and opportunities for congregational mission trips to Ceará. They were proud to see young people gain access to education and opportunities that could change the course of their lives.

Closer to home, Dan helped develop the foundation for Partners in Change, providing life skills and coaching for adults working toward financial stability. He worked with the Atlanta chapter of United Way on programs including low-income financial savings clubs and motel-to-home initiatives supporting women and children. He was also a passionate supporter of the University for Parents.

While Dan accomplished much in his professional career and community service, he believed his greatest legacy was his family. He loved them deeply and invested his time, attention, humor, and wisdom in their lives. He had a gift for making people feel seen and encouraged, often with a mischievous sense of humor and a cheeky smile. He was also a devoted dog owner, loving seven dogs fiercely over the years. Each carved a place in his heart, with his last, sweet CJ, holding a particularly special spot as, in Dan’s eyes, the perfect dog.

At the center of it all was Margy, his wife of 61 wonderful years and the love of his life. Together, they shared a life filled with family, friends, travel, good wine, chocolate, ice cream, and watching every move of their beloved Atlanta Braves. He found peace on the water, and loved fishing with his friends and family all over the world. Dan treasured those simple pleasures and, most of all, the people and animals with whom he shared them.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Margy; his children and their spouses, Tim (Alex), Gena (Brent), and Stacey (Vincent); his nine grandchildren, Rhanatah Harrison (Andy), Kieran Smith (Chris), Camille Morgan, Madilynn Morgan, Phoenix Tovar, Zinn Tovar, James Meier (Ivana), Savannah Meier, and Daisy Thomas; and his four great-grandchildren, Elliott Harrison, Oliver Harrison, Teodore Meier, and Elijah Meier. Also, many friends, nieces, nephews, and a countless number of cousins, whose lives were touched by his friendship, generosity, humor, and love.

Dan leaves behind a family who will miss him deeply, but who will carry forward the lessons he taught them: stand up for what is right, be radically generous, see the good in others, make room for laughter, lead with love, and always make time for the people who matter most.

A memorial service celebrating Dan’s beautiful life and legacy will be held at Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, Georgia, on September 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Dan’s favorite causes are appreciated:

Partners in Change- Atlanta: https://www.picusa.org/

United Way Atlanta Economic Stability: https://giving.unitedwayatlanta.org/page/ES25