On Thursday morning, this world suffered a huge loss when one of God’s children left this earth to go worship in Heaven our Lord and Savior for all Eternity. Don Carroll Smith, Sr., age 78, born in Kinston, NC, peacefully passed away early Thursday, July 9th, in his home in Virginia Beach, VA. He was preceded in death by his father and beloved mother, Don James and Margaret Kerr (Moore) Smith, as well as his sister, Margaret “Karen” (Smith) Zoby and her husband Gerard. Those friends and family members left behind feel his loss acutely. One of his greatest joys on earth was his family, whom he loved so well. Until they are reunited in Paradise, he temporarily is separated from his very loving wife of 53 years, Sandra “Ann” Smith. His 3 children, Don C. Smith, Jr., of Youngsville, NC; Mark D. Smith and wife Jennifer of Forest Hill, MD; and Margaret J. (Smith) Gilbert and husband Jonathan of Germantown, TN, deeply grieve the loss of their cherished father, as do his 4 beloved grandchildren, Kirsten (Smith) Moler and husband Kenneth, Jared Smith, Abigail Gilbert, and Andrew Gilbert, who also loved him deeply. Additionally, he precedes in death his brother, Don James “Jamie” Smith, as well as his sister, Donna Ashton (Smith) Ralston and husband Al of Hampton Roads, as well as, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Don was an active choir member and former Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church Norfolk where he attended faithfully with his wife. As an ordained preacher, he also served as assistant team leader and minister to the residents at the assisted living community, The Gardens of Virginia Beach. He graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in ‘60; he also attended Wake Forest University and Old Dominion University. For 3 years during the Vietnam War, he proudly served his country as a captain in the United States Army, then in the U. S. Reserves for an additional 7 years. After his military service, he became the owner and broker of Eagle Realty for over 41 years (Isaiah 40:31). However, above all else, to know Don was to have an encounter with the Lord. Never a day went by that he did not strive to pray for or share with those whom God placed in his path the Lord’s love or His gift of Salvation. Sharing the good news of how Jesus Christ died for all our sins was his greatest delight. Through his passing, he wanted people to be assured that this is a joyous occasion, knowing that he is now dancing before and worshiping with his Heavenly Father. This life is not the end. So, after they play “Taps” to honor his service to his country, his desire was that the wake-up call, “Reveille,” follow, as he is now ushered into the presence of Almighty God and is for the first time truly awake! (1 Corinthians 13:12) In Don’s words, “Will I see you again when they call the roll up yonder?” Will he? He sure hopes so. It’s your choice.
A memorial service open to friends and family will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Rd., Norfolk, VA. The family will hold a private graveside service at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, where he will be interred. The Smith family wishes to express to everyone their deepest appreciation for your expressions of love for our family in memory of our husband/father/grandfather. May the Lord richly bless you and yours.