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Dennis Smith Obituary
November 21, 1961 April 2, 2024
Bakersfield Dennis Keith Smith, 62, peacefully passed away on April 2nd, 2024 in Bakersfield, California. Dennis took great pride in being a father to his four daughters and papa to seven grandchildren. He was also affectionately known by his friends, colleagues, and students as Smitty, Coach, or simply D.
Dennis graduated from BHS in 1979 and found his passion for baseball playing throughout all four years. This passion led him to San Diego State University, where he pitched for the Aztecs. Following college, Dennis joined his father, Troy, and brother, Bobby, on their family farm in south Bakersfield, while his mother lovingly prepared their favorite southern meals, always accompanied by a refreshing glass of sweet tea.
Dennis later embarked on a fulfilling career as a special education teacher at Liberty High School, where he continued to fulfill his passion for baseball by serving as the varsity baseball pitching coach. Upon his retirement, Dennis spent his days enjoying his family, the OU Sooners, and his many pups in which he rescued and gave a loving home.
In his passing, Dennis reunites with his father, Troy Lee Smith, and his brother, Larry Wayne. Dennis leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, survived by his mother, Willadean, brother Bobby and wife Barbara, his four daughters, Jacqueline Atkins, Jordan (Matt) Garvey, Megan (Sean) Atkins, Madison (Jonathan) Dettenhaim, their mother Paulette Smith, and seven grandchildren, Alyssa, Alexandria, Autumn, Aker, Avery, Clayton, and Josie.
His bear hugs, infectious smile, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Although he will be missed by so many, we find comfort knowing he is peacefully at rest in the loving arms of our Lord.
To Dad, with love, we will forever cherish your words, I love you, sis.
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Visitation and Rosary will be held on May 2nd, 2024 from 5-9pm at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel. Services and Graveside will be held on May 3rd, 2024 at 1pm at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel, 9109 Kern Canyon Rd.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Smith
Sponsored by Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest & Hillcrest Memorial Park.
2 Entries
Philip Cerro
April 18, 2024
My most sincere, heartfelt condolences to all of Dennis´s family. I have such wonderful memories of Dennis, Bobby and their father Troy doing custom cultivating and harvesting of our cotton crops over the years. Especially the first year farming for my brother Mark and myself out on Maricopa Highway in 1981. Dennis was always talking baseball and San Diego State. Bobby was in my algebra class my freshman year at West High and our teacher was Bert Rowe, the varsity football coach. He would pull Bobby and other varsity football players aside after going over the algebra lesson and start drawing up football plays on the chalkboard. And their parents, Troy and Willadean were/are such nice and wonderful people. What a truly great and special family. I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Dennis´s death. I´m not sure if I will be in Bakersfield for Dennis´s funeral service but please know that the entire Smith family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless the entire Smith family. Amen.
Philip Cerro
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chad Provensal
April 17, 2024
You'll be missed Smitty! Prov
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