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David Smithson Obituary
David R. Smithson Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - David Rufus "D.R." Smithson Jr., 77, passed away Oct. 5, 2008, at home after a brief illness. D.R. loved the Lord. He was a lifelong Baptist, but most recently attended First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach. He was a longtime member of the Tidewater Concert Band where he played trumpet. His passion was Big Band music. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Margaret Smithson. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Lou Mayo Smithson; his children, Blair Smithson Belkin (Larry), John Berchman "Berch" Smithson (Cathy) and Catherine Smithson "Sugi" Dewan (Brian); seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held Friday at 3 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, 300 36th St., Virginia Beach. Donations in his memory can be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. Cremation Society of Virginia, Virginia Beach office, is assisting the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Smithson
3 Entries
George Archibald
October 31, 2008
D.R. was one of the lovliest men I ever knew and became almost a second father to me when I married his daughter Blair in 1979. We had four lovely daughters together -- Leslie Renn, mother of D.R. great-grandaughter, Carmen Thomas Renn; Ali Archibald, Leigh Anne Archibald, and Elizabeth Archibald. D.R. was a loving and thoughtful grandfather, father to his three children, Blair, Berch, and Sugi, and devoted husband to wife Betty Lou, and before they died to his mother Margaret Smithson and his mother's sister, Aunt Kitty Landauer. D.R.'s ancestry before his forebears moved from England to Tidewater-Hampton Roads, Virginia, went back to Hugh Smithson, first Duke of Northumberland, who married Elizabeth Percy and sired renowned scientist James Smithson, benefactor of the Smithsonian Institution. D.R. came from good stock and showed it all his life. He was one of those rare and comfortable people one is privileged to meet, had a great love for Lord God, a tremendous sense of humor, unfailing generosity and humility, and a wonderful laugh. It was one of the great privileges of many, many people to have known and loved D.R. Smithson. He lived a good life and was truly one of the great souls to grace us with his wonderful optimism and spirit. My condolensces to his widow, Betty Lou, children Blair, Berch, and Sugi, and all members of their families who have lost a marvelous man who is now with my own parents in heaven. Thank you God for giving D.R. to us for as long as you did. I know you are pleased with what your loving servant accomplished and the joy he brought to so many people while he was with us. Thanks be to God.
George Archibald, Middleburg, Virginia
October 31, 2008
Claudia (Willis) Self
October 23, 2008
I just had an email today telling of D.Rs passing. I knew him in high school and am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. fondly, Claudia Willis Self (Bracey, VA) I was born and raised in South Norfolk...
Beth Wynne
October 20, 2008
Just read that D.R. has passed. It has been a long time since we had talked but I will always remember his parents and him fondly. Margaret was my grandfather's niece. Ken and I are very sorry for your loss.
Ken & Beth Wynne, KDH
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