David H. Smith

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David Smith Obituary

SMITH, David H., retired pastor of the United Methodist Church, died June 27, 2022, at Brandermill Woods Retirement Center in Midlothian, Virginia. His ministry spanned 42 years. David was born in Cambria (now Christiansburg), Virginia. He received his bachelor's degree from Randolph Macon College in 1951 before continuing his study in Theology at Vanderbilt University, where he received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1955. After marriage to Julia Gattis in April of that year, they moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was organizing pastor of two congregations, Windsor Hills and Southview United Methodist Church. After serving Wesley Memorial Church in Charlottesville, Smith received a Master of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York, in 1967. Subsequently, he served Epiphany Church in Vienna, Walker Chapel in Arlington, Raleigh Court in Roanoke, Williamsburg United Methodist Church and was Superintendent of the Lynchburg District. He combined his love of gardening and service as the first president of the Society of Saint Andrew, a Methodist organization focused on feeding the hungry. In 1991, David received an honorary doctoral degree from Randolph Macon, his undergraduate alma mater. For three years, he was a staff member of the Virginia Annual Conference Office of the church before retiring in 1997.

Survivors include his wife, Julia Gattis Smith, Christian educator and author of numerous books and articles related to Christian education for children; a daughter, Sally Smith Scott (Steve), Director of Research at Association on Higher Education and Disability; a son, David Neel Smith (Candace), professor of Classics at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.; four granddaughters, Laura Scott (Ben Goodsell), Lisa Scott, Sarah-Neel Smith (John Cardellino) and Annecca Smith (Patrick Scully); and a sister, Frances Smith Olson (Ed). Smith was predeceased by his brother, C. Richard Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice in David's honor. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for David Smith

6 Entries

Joan Sweet Brault

December 23, 2022

Just found this today. Sending sympathy to Judy and family. David Smith was our friend and pastor from the days when he started at Windsor Hills Methodist Church in Roanoke. He was so kind and helpful during our family troubles and losses over the years. He was a kind ear to talk with when I lost my sister when she was diagnosed with CJD and lost her life too early at age 65. He was there for us when my father lost his life to lung cancer and when my brother was taken from us in Vietnam in 1968. He made special trips to visit my mother when she was nearing her 100th birthday. Will always remember him fondly. Joan Sweet Brault

Cathy Monroe

August 13, 2022

Sorry to hear of David's passing. He was a kind, yet strong leader. He and Judy have made a great team. Prayers for Judy and family.

Elaine and Tim Grider

July 9, 2022

What an extra special man! David's humor was as endearing as his love for Judy! Such an important couple to so many of us and a beautiful example of devotion, friendship and love of life and family. A recent treasured memory: David WON our March Madness bracket challenge! (His picks left the rest of us in the dust!) He was so proud - especially since Judy is quite the basketball fan! David's light is surely missed but as God promises...LOVE continues.

Jane J. Keeble

July 4, 2022

Rev. David was a delightful gentleman and a kind and gentle soul. He adored his dear Judy and they were so adorable together, always smiling and greeting everyone at The Brandermill Church. His presentations in Sunday School Class were most enjoyable, interesting, and thought provoking.
Judy, I pray that the light of God's presence will shine on you and the family he so loved , brightening the days ahead.

Doug Pick

July 3, 2022

As an past Windsor Hills Methodist Church member, I have such fond memories of Rev. Smith. My parents, Len and Louise Pick would always say that David was their favorite. He did such a wonderful job of starting up that lovely church and which many of the congregants were transplants from NY, brought to Roanoke when GE moved their plant from Schenectady. Being NY City folks, they cherished all their friendships that Rev. Smith so beautifully put together.
I remember his lovely smile and gentle soul. Truly he left many wonderful and valuable footprints in the sand.

Elisabeth Turner

July 3, 2022

I have very fond memories of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church. I joined as a child when my family moved to the neighborhood. Vacation Bible School and MYF were all part of my growing up. I have great memories of David, his beautiful wife and his adorable kids at Windsor Hills. RIP.

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