David E Smucker

1945 - 2024

David E. Smucker, 79, died Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Life Care Center of East Ridge Tennessee from complications of endocarditis. He was born May 14, 1945 in Aurora, Ill. to Mark and Mildred Smucker. He grew up in Wheaton, Ill. and graduated in 1968 with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana. In the fall of 1966, he re-met a high-school classmate on campus, a newly graduated RN named Carol and they were married June 17, 1967.
David began his 32 year career with Aluminum Company of America in the Pittsburgh area with the Equipment Development Division. He advanced in the company through moves to Davenport, Iowa working in the Foil Mill and becoming Chief Mechanical Engineer for mill modernization there. David's specialty was rolling mill technology which took him to Swansea, Wales and then to Knoxville, Tenn. as Mechanical Engineering Manager for Flat Rolled Products worldwide.
Three children were born in Pennsylvania, LynAnne, Mark and Christine. David was a loving father and husband, always supporting his children's and his wife's endeavors. He was smart and creative. As a multi-hobbyist he excelled at woodworking, metalworking, blacksmithing, bicycle frame building, photography, bread baking and model railroading. In 2000 he and Carol retired. David's interest in blacksmithing led them to Brasstown, N.C. where David fulfilled a dream of building a timber frame home and becoming involved with the John C. Campbell Folk School. David served two terms on the school's board and taught an annual blacksmithing class for 14 years. Establishing a church connection in their new community was of utmost importance to Carol and David. They have been blessed to be a part of the ministry of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville where David served in multiple leadership positions including being chairperson for the Building Construction Committee. Despite his illness he retained his beautiful smile and sense of humor. Family and friends will miss him dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Carol; daughter, LynAnne (Dagon Schrott) Smucker, of Eudora, Kan.; son, Mark (Anne Schott) Smucker, of Waterloo, Ontario Canada; daughter, Christine (Andrew) Erickson, of Beaverton, Ore.; sister Janice Street and brother Frank Smucker, both of Boulder, Colo., and grandchildren Leo and Amy Smucker and Lucas and Natalie Erickson. He was predeceased by his parents and younger brother, Alan; sister-in-law, Candy Smucker; and brother-in-law, Bob Street.
Memorial gifts may be given to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Hayesville or the John C. Campbell Folk School.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Hayesville with the Rev. Dr. Bill Breedlove officiating.
Burial will be in the church memorial garden. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the service.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home: www.townson-rose.com is in charge of local arrangements.