Donn Eugene Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the beloved Doctor Donn Eugene Smith. Donn passed away peacefully at his home on January 6, 2026, at the age of 96. He would have celebrated his 97th birthday in February.

Donn was born on February 16, 1929 to Adelbert & Ethyl Smith in Columbus, Ohio. Donn was an accomplished chiropractor and artist. He studied at Lincoln University in Indianapolis, Indiana and attended chiropractic school at Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri. In 1980 Donn moved to Blairsville, Georgia, and opened Blairsville's first chiropractic practice, where he faithfully served the community for many years. He loved staying active and enjoyed playing tennis, riding horses, raising farm animals, and competing in men’s league softball well into his 70s.

Donn had a deep passion for music and was heavily involved in Barbershop music, singing tenor with his quartet for many years. He was also a gifted musician on both the piano and guitar, with the remarkable ability to play by ear. In addition to music, Donn loved sculpting—able to look at an ordinary stone and transform it into a true masterpiece. He was also talented in poetry and wrote a personal narrative, "Stones and Muse" that included many of his poems, personal stories, and photographs of the beautiful stones he carved by hand.

Donn is survived by his significant other Exola Lynn Gates of Blairsville, two daughters, Jennifer Barbash (husband Doug) of Black Mountain, North Carolina and Nannette O’Neill (significant other Scot Massey) of Blairsville; his grandchildren, Doctor Shane Heatley and wife Berea of Blairsville, Troy Heatley of Black Mountain, North Carolina, Constance Brewer and husband Keith of Blairsville, Keturah Mann and husband Russ of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Scott Meaders of Macon, Georgia, Zach Meaders and wife Audrey of Blue Ridge, Georgia; his great-grandchildren, Christian Meaders, Raelyn Meaders, Calvin Neumann, Cade Neumann, Byron Mumpower, and Dillon Mumpower.

He was preceded in death by his loving former wives Martha Whitney and Phyllis Nagel; sister Norma Mae Puckle; daughter, Cheri Meaders; his grandchild, Christian Meaders; and his great-grandchildren, Gannon Eugene Mann and Addelyn Elise Mann.

Donn’s memorial service and "Celebration of Life" will be held on February 21, 2026, at Unity Church of the Mountains located at 2309 Murphy Hwy, Blairsville, Georgia, 30512, beginning at 11:00am.

For planning purposes, please contact or leave a message at 8283577758 to indicate attendance. Feel free to sign the guestbook and leave condolences online at cochranmcdaniel.com.