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The Life of David B. Smith Jr.

David B. Smith, Jr., 76, of Bernville, and formerly of District Township, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in his residence, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He was the loving husband of Joan A. “Nan” (Stahl) Smith.

Born in Norristown, David was a son of the late David B., Sr., and Elizabeth S. (Simon) Smith. He was a 1961 graduate of Schwenksville High School and was a member of Christ Evangelical Free Church, Strausstown. David honorably and faithfully served his country in The United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division. After his time in the service, David was employed by the Philadelphia Electric Company, working as a Natural Gas Specialist for many years until his retirement.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved spending time outdoors and gardening at their home of 45 years in Huff's Church.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, Nan, David is survived by his two daughters, Jackie (Smith), wife of Rodney Miller, Lusby, MD, and Terri (Smith), wife of Eric Boyer, Bernville; five grandchildren, Cole and Logan Miller, and Samuel, Matthew and Joseph Boyer; and a brother, Robert, husband of Sandra Smith, East Greenville.

A graveside service including military honors will be held in Keelys Church Cemetery, Schwenksville, with Pastor Phil Thomas officiating.

The family requests contributions be made in David’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donation Processing, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or online at https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate or to The Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at www.lbda.org/honor-memorial-gifts.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

Filter David B. Smith Jr.'s Timeline by the following Memory Categories

2020.05.19
Nan's Husband

I didn't know Dave very well, but I just wanted to offer my condolances to Nan & her family.  I saw the obit in the Pottstown Mercury.  I guess the last time I saw Nan & Dave was at her father's funeral in Schwenksville .Way too much time passes by between seeing old friends.  If there is anything I can do please let me know.  Keep in touch!    andi

Posted by Andrea D on 05/19/2020

2020.05.19
Uncle Dave

Aunt Nan, I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of Uncle Dave are of such a kind, loving man. When we where young and visiting he would let us help with all the animals, from getting the eggs from chickens, to walking us up and down the long lane on the horses, he never hesitated to let us be where he was and be apart of what he was doing. He will never be forgotten. I wish we could be there for you in this difficult time and just to get home more often in general. We love you and are lifting you up in prayer of comfort and support. Love, Cyndee and Mitch Stevens  Dayton,OH

Posted by Cyndee S on 05/19/2020

2020.05.20
My Dad

Simply stated, he was a good man. My dad was many things to me.


He was a great dad who enjoyed life and taught us to enjoy the simple but meaningful things. Because of him I grew up enjoying the freedom to run and play on acres of woods and streams in the fresh air, the joy of caring for baby farm animals and raising our own food from the garden. I enjoyed the love of labs and horses, the sound of birds in the early morning, the sight of deer with fawns passing through the yard and catching frogs at the spring on a hot summer day.

We enjoyed trips to Potter County....hiking in the mountains, splashing in the creeks, watching bears at the dump, and visiting the local store for our favorite sour cream cookies. Dad was a true mountain man, enjoying hunting and fishing, but he also suffered through some trips to the beach and Disney for his girls!

He taught us about love and respect, hard work, integrity, honor, and courage...because that's how he lived. He never complained or criticized - if he didn't like the way you did something, he'd bring you around to thinking about it a different way!

Dad was always there to support us in all of our activities and accomplishments no matter how small - always encouraging, supportive and proud in his quiet way. He taught us to be strong and independent and to think outside the box. We were never his 'princesses' but that's OK because instead we learned how to face the challenges of life with realistic expectations. We learned trial and error, patience, and perseverance, and to tackle life head on.

He taught us what a husband should be - loving and kind, a leader and protector, respectful and loyal, self-less, giving and encouraging. He loved my mom with all his heart and would have done anything for her. Their marriage of 52 years is a testament to the love and dedication they shared and portrayed.

Dad was a man of few words but taught by example. He was an amazing example to his five grandsons of what a man of integrity should be. They were the light of his life and he enjoyed many days teaching them to hunt & fish, enjoy nature and gardening, camping & hiking, and lazy days on the river or splashing in the pool. His motto was to work hard but also slow down and enjoy life.

He gave us our Christian roots and quietly led us through church and Sunday school though he preferred to worship through the outdoors. He knew our Lord and Savior and I know we will be reunited with him in eternity where there will be no more suffering and tears. I thank God for receiving him home and granting him peace.

That is a small glimpse of who my dad was and always will be to me. I will miss him and think of him every day... but he will live on in my heart, the way I live my life, and in my sons whose lives he has touched in a very special way.

 

Posted by Terri B on 05/20/2020

2020.05.28
Mr. Smith, rest in peace

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Smith. He and my father worked together at PECO & were hunting buddies.... & thru their friendship, our families became friends.  Mr. Smith was a gentle, kind soul. He had what I call "quiet wisdom". He lived his life honestly & fully. He was the first one to jump in and help someone; he didn't even have to be asked, he'd just show up to lend a hand. i have many good memories of him, and of the times our families spent together.

Mrs. Smith, Jackie, Terri.... I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr Smith was such a good man & was loved by many. Please know I will be thinking of you, and praying for you and your entire family.  Sending you all the love in my heart during this sad time. God bless you. 

Lori Conner 

Posted by Lori C on 05/28/2020

2020.05.28
Memories live forever.

Memories of Dave…I don’t know where to start. Dave and Gary were good friends for a large part of their lives, whether it was working at PECO, hunting, fishing, eating at Dryville or the Kutztown Fire Company, (with Nan and me), or just hanging out together.

Gary always said Dave was the only person he would trust in a foxhole with him, he was that kind of a friend. Dave was a quiet, sincere man and you knew when he said something, he believed it.

We will miss him and send love and condolences to all the members of Dave’s family, especially Nan, Jacki, and Terri. Memories live forever.

Love from Gary andJane Conner

Posted by Jane C on 05/28/2020