David Lee Smith's Obituary
David Smith, age 82, peacefully transitioned into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ on April 7, 2026. He was born in Tunica, Mississippi, and later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he was raised. At the age of 19, he journeyed to Jackson, Michigan, where he began building the foundation for his future.At 21, David married Betty Norris. Together, they were blessed with three wonderful daughters: Corrina (Michael) Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; Yvette Smith Hughes of Jackson, Michigan; and Devette Smith Simpson of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his only son, Tony Payne of Battle Creek, Michigan.David was a devoted Christian who loved people and was known for being fun-loving, kindhearted, and a great provider for his family. He began his career at Yard-Man until the company closed. He later became a trained Quality Control Lab Technician at Aeroquip, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 1992.In 1992, David experienced the deep sorrow of losing his beloved wife, Betty Norris Smith, following an illness.Later in life, David found love again and married Sandra Long on July 4, 1993. They shared 32 wonderful years of marriage until his passing. Together, David and Sandra raised their nephew, Jasper Fell, and their two granddaughters, Glory and Gabrielle Hughes. Sandra and David also devoted 11 years to nurturing children at Alphabet Child Center. She remained a loving and faithful caregiver to David until the very end, with special assistance from Daughter Yvette.David was a devoted member of Second Baptist Missionary Church for approximately 30 years, serving under the leadership of the late Pastor Amos Pope Williams and later Pastor Darius Williams. He faithfully participated in the Men’s Choir and served on the Usher Board until illness no longer allowed him to attend.David enjoyed expressing his creativity both inside and outside the home. He loved sports, traveling, cooking, and singing.He was preceded in death by his parents, North Smith and Minnie Pearl Fell; his sisters, Linda Smith, Delores Johnson, and Rose Clemon; and his brothers, Leroy Clemon and Don Clemon.He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Sandra Smith; his children, Anthony Payne, Corrina (Michael) Smith, Yvette Smith Hughes, and Devette Smith Simpson; his grandchildren, Ashley, Christopher, Glory, Gabrielle, Jessica, Gwen, and Demetrius; his great-grandchildren, Emory and Zury; his surviving brothers, Jon Clemon, Graylon Fell, Terry Fell, and Elbert Hubbard; his surviving sisters, Brenda Smith, Sharon (Frank) Halley, Corrine (Glen) Gray, and Lori (Pastor James) Crawford; along with a host aunts, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.David also cherished three close friends: Kenny Patton, Walter Lawson, and Chris Brass.He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
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