David Preston Smith Sr., 74, passed away at his home, in the care of his family and VITAS Hospice, on April 3, 2018. He was born on March 31, 1944, to the late Preston Layton Smith and Wilsie (Mitchell) Smith in Melson, Md.
He married his beloved wife, Patsy, on Feb. 9, 1962, in Bishopville, Md. Together they raised four children. He was owner and operator of his own business, David P. Smith Septic Installation. He loved country music and attending country music venues. He also loved antique cars and going to the Harrington Fair Car Show and the Ocean City Cruise-Ins. Smith was devoted to his family and was “all about kids and grandkids.” He always helped anyone who stopped by (and even helped those who didn’t). His family said, “He always left a light on” to show the way.
In addition to his parents, Smith was preceded in death by his siblings, John W. Smith, Mary A. Phillips and Ethel Lathbury; and by six brothers-in law, William Toomey, Fred Toomey, Roy Toomey, Milton Toomey, Jack Bare and Virgil Townsend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Patsy Lee Toomey Smith; his four children, Deborah Littleton and her husband, Dale, of Millsboro, Del., David Smith Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Seaford, Del., Patricia Smith, and Gregory Smith and his wife, Kristen, of Laurel, Del.; a sister, Phyllis A. Bare; eight grandchildren, Ashly Smith, Richard Smith, Spencer Smith, Daniele Squillante, David Littleton, Nathan Smith, Emily Smith and Zachary Smith; six great-grandchildren, Gennessis and Aston Taylor, Dominic and Delaney Squillante, and Laila and Kallie Smith; two sisters-in-law, Stella Smith and Nancy Townsend; and a surviving brother-in-law, Albert Phillips.
A funeral service and celebration of his life were scheduled for April 6, 2018, at Watson Funeral Home, with interment at Millsboro Cemetery, both in Millsboro, Del. The Rev. Robert Hudson was to officiate. Floral tributes are welcomed. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.