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Daniel Smith Obituary
Dan was born in Norfolk and moved to Smithfield where he lived the last 53 years. After graduating from Smithfield High School, where he played basketball and ran track, he went on to earn a political science degree from Atlantic Christian College. Dan followed his father's footsteps into the building trade and became a true craftsmen as a custom building contractor and the owner of Smith Construction Company.
Dan was elected Mayor of Smithfield in July of 2008 after 14 years of service on the Smithfield Town Council and 14 years on its planning commission. He served as Chairman of the Planning Commission since 1999 and as Vice Mayor from 2000 to 2008. In 2003, he was awarded the Virginia Chapter American Planning Association Planning Leadership Award for an Elected Official and Citizen Planner.
Dan had a deep and abiding love for Smithfield and was devoted to the Town and its citizens. He was a past member of the Smithfield Jaycees, past president of the Smithfield German Club and a member of Smithfield Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret S. Smith; children, Rachel S. Moore and husband, Tony, of Chesapeake, Byron F. Smith of Nashville, Tenn., Matthew S. Glass of Smithfield and Joshua A. Glass of Williamsburg; mother and father, Clifford L. Smith and Catherine F. Smith of Smithfield; brother, Michael G. Smith and wife, Barbara, of Suffolk; sister, Donna Smith of Richmond; three nieces, a nephew, numerous aunts, a host of cousins and many special friends.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Smithfield Center.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to Standup2Cancer.com, Team Start2Finish or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.leukemia-lymphoma.com, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Arrangements by Pretlow & Chapman Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Smith
Amy Camper
October 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Martin Podbesek
October 1, 2008
Magaret,
You and your children have my deepest sympathy. I was with him only at several Smith fuunctions but he always welcomed me and was a kind caring person. I will keep you and Donna and all the Smith family in my thoughts and prayers.
The Peace of Chist be with all of you
Marty Podbesek
Suzann Smith Jones
September 30, 2008
To My Dear Smith Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Danny. I wish I could have been there with you all in person. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers in the coming days and months as you have been for these past years.
Love to you all!
Suzann
Bonnie Gynn-Spires
September 29, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes to the Smith family, especially to Byron and Rachel. My parents, Russell and Margrit Gynn, babysat for Byron and Rachel for years. Although I have not seen Danny in many years, I will always remember his smile and laugh. May God look over your family at this time and protect each and every one of you through this difficult time.
Bill & Terry Watts
September 29, 2008
To the Smith Family,
Our sympothy to each of you...You all are in our thoughts and prayers -
Donna Roeder(Nurney)
September 28, 2008
To The Smith Family:
I was so sorry to hear about Danny. It has been many years since I have seen him but have so many fond memories of him growing up with my brother, Dale and myself. He was always there with us having fun.Our family trips to Nags Head always included Danny. These memories will be with me for a long time and it is conforting to look back on that specail time. He grew up to be a fine person and I know you are all so proud of his accomplishments. May your memories carry you through these difficult days and find peace in knowing he was loved by so many.
Dianne Kissel
September 27, 2008
To the family of Dan Smith,
You and the entire community have lost a great presence. Dan will be remembered by many for his public service and for his business acumen....he possessed the finest qualities that a person in business can have: respect for his business associates, superior ethics and insistance on the best quality in producing a product. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Powell-Smith
September 26, 2008
Margaret,
I am so sorry to hear about Danny. He will surely be missed by the entire Graudating class of 1970 and the community who respected him so much for his committment to Smithfield Government. Danny's outgoing nature was felt by all and you are truly blessed to have had him in your life to love and support you & your family. We have lost a great man but his physical suffering has ended and he is in the arms of our Lord.
Teresa & Kevin Connelly
September 26, 2008
Dear Margaret, Matt & Josh
So sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers & thoughts are with you all.
Gina Clayton
September 26, 2008
Margaret,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Dan's warm smile and concern for his family, friends and others.
Carolyn Gale
September 26, 2008
Margaret and Family,
We are greatly saddened by the passing of Danny. He will always be close to our hearts. Brian especially expresses deepest sympathy to Rachel and Byron, since they were wonderful childhood friends!! Our memories will be cherished. All of you will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Carolyn Gale and Brian Gale
Mike Delk
September 26, 2008
Danny spent hours helping me with my studies at AC. As a friend and frat brother he made time to help others.During high school,college,and after like a magnet people were drawn to him,We just simply felt comfortable around him.Behind his easy going demeanor,and famous chuckle there was a get it right attitude.A natural leader.He was the one we wanted to be like, Myself and countless others couldnt have chosen a finer example.
Patti Joyce
September 26, 2008
Margaret and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Dan's passing. What a great man!!! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Dan is an angel now, free of pain and suffering.
May your many wonderful memories of Dan ease the heartache of your loss.
With love to you all,
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