Raleigh, North Carolina
The Honorable Donald Lee Smith, a retired North Carolina Court of Appeals and Superior Court Judge, died Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the age of 75. Known for his love, respect, and memory for the law, ?Donnie? was a native of Sampson County, grew up in Lumberton, and was a graduate of the...
Read MoreA wonderful classmate,attorney and friend. I will miss him and blessed to be in school and contact with him on occasion. JD '64 WFU
Gene Price
January 21, 2015 | Winston-Salem, NC
I had the honor of serving as a law clerk for Judge Smith at the Court of Appeals. It was truly a wonderful experience. I learned so much from him and he was so passionate about his work and the law. He was also a very kind man and lots of fun to work with at the Court. I have nothing but good memories of him and I am a better lawyer because of him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bambee Blake
January 14, 2015 | Raleigh, NC
Judge Smith was influential in my development as a lawyer, having presided over one of my first trials and having served as a mediator or arbitrator on several matters. I appreciated his forthrightness, his insight and judicial temperament. He will be missed.
Jonathan Hall
January 13, 2015 | Cary, NC
May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15) My sincerest sympathy.
V.C.
January 12, 2015
Donnie was a "one of a kind" guy. He truly loved the law and through his knowledge and expertise, he helped many people on so many levels. He was a caring and generous brother and son and took his role as caregiver seriously. He tried to improve the quality of life of his family members as they grew older. He was a friend of over 40 years, and I will miss him and his sense of humor. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
Susan Shearin
January 10, 2015 | Raleigh, NC
Judge Smith will be missed by all who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and especially loved mentoring his law clerks. He was a very giving person and was always ready to help his friends. My condolences to Myra and Jerry.
Julie Catlette
January 10, 2015 | Raleigh, NC
I met Don the first time I visited Carolina Beach in 1961. I thank God every night for him entering my life. I stayed in the bunk house of his dad's restaurant on the weekends that summer. He introduced me to his friends. When I turned 21 the next summer he helped me get work at The Ocean Plaza Ballroom. I worked there for three years on the weekends until I was transferred from Camp Lejeune,
When I was discharged from the Navy in 1968 I was hired by a Seagram Division – Browne...
Garris Graham
January 09, 2015 | Ocala, FL
Donnie you are already missed. From all your many friends we wish you peace. God bless you! Doug Frey, Raleigh, NC
January 08, 2015
I have first lost a friend and a respected fellow lawyer and Judge whom I highly respected. My condolences to the family. I still remember when his father was so ill at UNC and the devotion he held. Too early!!
Jean winborne Boyles
January 08, 2015 | Raleigh, NC