I always talked sports with him on his am walks. He was always positive and had a great sense of humor.He was a proud fan of Univ. Of Kentucky and the Cleveland Browns. Since he was a referee I would yell what coaches would often say to a ref. He would answer with a humorous response. He often talked about the trips with his wife. PLEASE BLESS HIM JESUS

This is so heartbreaking.  I had the privilege of working many basketball games with Darryl. What an amazing human❤️. I am so very sorry for your loss 💔Sending prayers to your family🙏🙏

Jerry Sauder

Not often in your life do you get meet a person that that makes you happy every time you are together. Fortunately I consider Darryl the top of that list. Whether it was on the floor officiating, at the restaurant or bar after the games, sitting around the pool on our off days working the Cancun challenge. He always made you smile. 
The highest integrity on the basketball floor as well a great play calling ability Darryl was the real deal and someone that you always wanted to see when you received your schedule. For many of us it wasn’t the games you got it was the partners that were assigned with you. If his name appeared, you knew the game would be smooth, you would handle all situations that occurred and most of all you would have some fun. He was the best!!

We spent so many hours with his beautiful wife Cindy who was the perfect fit for Daryl. They were such a great couple. 

When I received the tragic news it really knocked me down and hurt deeply. We will miss him so much in so many ways!!

Heaven just became a better place when this man walked through the doors. 

Love you”D” and will miss you so so much!!

I was fortunate to work many games with Darryl. He was an outstanding referee in every sense, a truly great partner on the floor. But my favorite memories of Darryl will always be the times we spent together off the court. Darryl and Cindy were core members of a group of us lucky enough to officiate the Cancun Challenge for many years. For Cathy and me, spending the week with our "Cancun Family", especially Darryl and Cindy, was the highlight of the basketball season. You will be missed, D.  May God bless Cindy and your family.
-Jeff and Cathy Spedoske

Can’t express my sincere condolences on behalf of the Edward Waters Men’s Basketball team. Prayers to the family!

Cindy and Family:

I am so sorry at the loss of Daryl!  He was a great person, official and friend.  

I will be praying for all of you. 

J.D. Collins

I worked many games with Darryl and you could always count on him to have your back.  He made the games fun and the dinner afterwards even better!  Darryl was a great man and he’ll be missed.  Rest in peace my friend.

My deepest sympathies to his family.

One of the all time best people I have ever met in the officiating community. Worked many games with Daryl and not only was he a great partner, he was always good for many laughs after the games. His time was far too short and my deepest sympathy to Cindy and his entire family. He will live on in our memories! Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed!
Mike Sanzere

I met Darryl in Mar 2000, Tulsa, Ok, at the NAIA D 1 National Championships. It was an instant bond of friendship, not only on the floor, but off. I was a part of his family, as he was to mine! Too many memories to list or able to talk about. I love you Darryl, I truly don’t know what I’ll do without you? 😢💔

Prayers to the family. May God’s strength and comfort are with you during this difficult time.

Darryl and I officiated several games over the years in a few conferences including the Ohio Valley.  He was a solid crew mate and enjoyed reffing games.  Darryl had a cool sense of humor.  He was always fun to be around at the referee camps.
He will be missed among the referee community.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  May God bless Darryl’s impact on them all.

Prayers to the family and loved ones.  I worked many basketball games with Darryl and he was a great partner on the floor and an even better friend off.   R.I.P. and we will meet again.

Knew Darryl for many years here in Kentucky. We officiated basketball games together on the High School and Collegiate levels. Nothing but fond memories of him and he’ll surely be missed by all that knew him. RIP my friend. Condolences to the family.

OBITUARY

James Darryl Smith

June 10, 1959 – July 28, 2025

Hardage-Giddens St. Johns

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