David Robert Smith, 85, of Nashville, TN, peacefully entered his eternal rest on August 20, 2024, at 12:56 PM while residing at Maristone of Providence in Mount Juliet, TN.
Born on February 18, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, David was the son of Robert K. Smith and Catharine E. (Biesecker) Smith, who served as missionaries with World Gospel Mission. He spent his formative years in Kenya, East Africa. On June 2, 1960, he married C. Patricia Coffee in Valdosta, Georgia.
David is survived by his four children: Lisa Margaret Smith of Nashville, Tennessee; Lori Michelle Cameron of Long Beach, California; Sabrina Lynne (Samuel) Jones of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; and Susan Leigh Smith of Gallatin, Tennessee. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Allison Grace (Jones) Farley, Abigail Marie (Jones) McAdory, Nathaniel Dwayne Jones, Taylor Scott Cameron, and Lindsey Erin Cameron; two great-grandchildren: Jaelynn Grace Farley and Tatum James Farley; and his sister, Sarah Margaret (Les) Werner of Clarkston, Washington.
David was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother John Milton Smith, his older sister Anna Verne (Smith) Lee, his granddaughter Amanda Catharine Jones, and his beloved wife of nearly sixty-two years, Patricia (Coffee) Smith.
David, a dedicated Boy Scout who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Jackson, Kentucky. He then studied the Scripture at Kentucky Mountain Bible College before earning his BS in Industrial Engineering and Management from Valdosta State University.
He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 during the Cuban Missile Crisis and continued his service in the Army National Guard for another five years until 1968.
David dedicated twelve years to Firestone, beginning as a Personnel Manager for Firestone International Company in Nairobi, Kenya, and later advancing to Division Manager for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Bloomington, Illinois. He furthered his career as a Project Director and Business Consultant, as well as Vice President of Sales and Operations for Coachworld, Ltd. and Paramount Equipment Sales. He eventually became a Partner/Operator for several interstate transportation companies toward the end of his career.
David, a dedicated member of Nashville First Church of the Nazarene since 1993, made significant contributions to Emmaus Ministries for the homeless and the Kingsmen Missionary Chapter. He was also a cherished member of the Heritage Men’s Chorale. Fluent in Swahili, David took great pleasure in engaging with African immigrant members of his diverse congregation. His language proficiency also allowed him to teach pastors across the Turkana Region about the theology of relationships during one of his two mission trips to Kenya.
Known for his engaging personality, sharp intellect, and sense of humor, David was truly a “man of adventure.” He loved safaris in the Kenyan bush, hunting along the Serengeti, fishing in every lake, river, and ocean he could find, traveling abroad, and cooking all manner of ethnic cuisine—and he shared these passions with his family. David’s deep faith was evident in his devotion to prayer, regular Bible reading, and heartfelt intercession for others. Indian Springs Holiness Campground was a beloved destination for annual spiritual retreats and communion with nature. His love for Jesus Christ touched every aspect of his life.
A visitation for David will be held Friday, September 13, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 10:00 AM at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodland St, Nashville, Tennessee. Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Ulmet will officiate.
A committal service for the family will be held at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Ln, Nashville, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s memory may be mailed to 510 Woodland Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37206 or made online to one or both of the following 510 Foundation ministries:
• Team Kenya Outreach (a gender-based violence victim support and prevention initiative): https://510Foundation.ChurchCenter.com/giving/to/Team-Kenya-Outreach
• Emmaus Ministry (a full-service homeless ministry—food, clothing, showers, job assistance, financial support, transportation, and housing): https://510Foundation.ChurchCenter.com/giving/to/Emmaus
(Make checks payable to “510 Foundation,” specifying the ministry in the memo line.)
Eastland Funeral Home is honored to serve David’s family. To send condolences or share a fond memory, please visit the Eastland Funeral Home website. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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