Donald Smith Sr.

On March 28, 2024, at approximately 1:15 PM, Donald Christopher McGee Smith Sr., passed away at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Donald was 98 years old.

  “Don” was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to James and Grace Smith.  He grew up in Matthews, Virginia. Once married, he moved his family to Springfield in 1961.  He was self-employed in the dry cleaning business.  Don eventually relocated to North Brookfield, Massachusetts, where he oversaw operations and facilities at Springfield Urban League’s Camp Atwater.  He gave all of himself to the camp and the surrounding community for 42 years before retiring at the age of 91.  During this time, he also worked on the North Brookfield Board of Health for 20 years.  In addition, he worked with the Historical Society.  He became part of the fabric of the community of North Brookfield.  He was loved and respected in town, as he was when he resided and worked in Springfield.  He was compassionate and always willing to engage with those around him.  He always spoke his mind.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening, and other outdoor activities.  While in his 60’s he taught himself to excel with computers.  He also loved playing cards, especially spades.  Finally, he moved back to Springfield in January 2023, living with his son, Donald “Chris” and family. 

  Don was a widower, who left behind two sons, Donald Christopher McGee Smith Jr. of Springfield (and wife, Gwendolyn) and Michael James Smith (and wife, Sybil);  and two daughters, Cheryl Elizabeth Smith of Springfield, and Adrianne Jessica Smith of Casa Grande, Arizona.  He also left behind grandsons, Christian Donniel Smith of West Springfield, Massachusetts (and wife, Ja’Net), Sheldon Giavon Smith of Springfield, Mark Smith and Jeffrey Smith, both of Casa Grande;  and five great-grandchildren, Giadon, Trevian, Nevaeh, Caiden, and Asia.  He also left behind nieces, Janice Gardner of Newport News, Virginia and Barbara Taylor (and husband, George) of Hampton, Virginia;  and grand nephews, grand nieces, cousins, and many other family members and friends.

A memorial event will be held on Sunday, April 7, from 2-6 p.m. at The Eagles Banquet Hall, 530 St. James Avenue, Springfield, MA.  He will be funeralized on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the New Hope Fellowship Church, 11906 General Puller Highway, Hartfield, VA.  Burial will be in the family cemetery in Matthews County, Virginia.  The J.K. Redman Funeral Home of 2632 E Lewis B Puller Memorial Highway, Shacklefords, VA 23156, will be facilitating services in Virginia.

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