David Smith

David Duane Smith was born on Thursday, July 1, 1948, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Overtis Joseph and Phyllis Lea (McGuffey) Smith. He passed from this life to his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at the age of 73. Dave was one of three children born to the Smith family. He was raised in a loving family in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1959, his family relocated to Piedmont, Oklahoma. Country life brought him peace and happiness. Farming and ranching were hard work and rewarding. He absolutely loved it. As an “A” student, he worked for 12 hours a day while helping to financially support his family. He raised specialty rabbits and won several ribbons at the Oklahoma State Fair. Dave loved playing baseball and spearheaded the founding of the first ever Piedmont baseball team. He graduated with honors in 1966. Five months later, he volunteered for the U.S. Air Force. From Nov of 1966 until Feb of 1969, Dave was stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, Albrook AFB in Suriname, South America, and Tan Son Nhut AFB in Vietnam. After his time serving his country, Dave enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma, majoring in Education. During college he worked as an aircraft fuel handler, fueling airplanes at Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City. He graduated from UCO in 1973 and worked briefly as a high school teacher at Del City High School. In 1974 Dave found his true calling, working for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Three years later, he became a Flight Service Communications and Aviation Weatherman in Austin, Texas. He spent 17 years as Training Department Head, Operations Supervisor, and Facility Manager. During those years he volunteered time, working with abused children. In 2005 he retired from the FAA. He enjoyed woodworking, making handmade chess pieces and chess boards, clocks, Christmas ornaments, etc. He learned to speak French and was part of a French language club. He volunteered as a carpenter with Habitat for Humanity. In 2007, he returned to the workforce with Spartan College of Aeronautics as a ground instructor teaching Advanced Aviation Weather, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Regulations, Airport Operations, and Aviation Medicine. Dave said “I’ve never worked a day in my life. I’ve lived my dream jobs.” Although admitting he didn’t always know where he was being led. It was only through God’s guidance that he was chosen to do these things for His glory. He always gave credit to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for everything he had in life. He adored his wife, Kimberly and together they grew strong in their faith, traveled the world (45 countries total for Dave), built a wonderful home together, and laughed every day. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish his memory are wife, Kimberly of their home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Son, Joshua Smith, and his wife Lacey of Texas Son, Austin Smith, and his wife Meredith of Colorado Stepson, Jared Hines of California Stepdaughter, Stacey Hines of Florida Brother, Timothy Smith of Oklahoma City Sister, Phyllis Smith of Oklahoma City 6 Grandchildren: Charlotte, Graham, Lincoln, Everhett, Ruby, and Zadie And his beloved dogs: Spike and Gracie He was preceded in death by his parents, Overtis and Phyllis Smith, and his beloved dogs Bailey and Crystal.

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David Smith

July 1, 1948 - June 15, 2022