David Edward Smith

David Edward Smith, 80, of Harrison, TN, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 5, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Archie Smith and Ollie Bell Smith, David lived a remarkable life filled with love, service, and dedication to his faith and family.

David was married to the love of his life, Glenda Smith, for 60 beautiful years. Together, they built a legacy of faith and family that continues to inspire those who knew them. He is survived by his devoted wife, Glenda, two daughters, Shelley Pritchard (Bryan) and Laura Griffith (Tony); six grandchildren, Nadia Kain (Dirk), Ellen Barrows, Meagan Hunter (Ethan), Andrew Barrows (Mariah), Nicholas Barrows, and Jonathan Barrows (Rebecca); and six great-grandchildren, Kelsey Worrell, Nori Kain, Hudson Kain, Liam Barrows, Lorelai Barrows, and Baker Hunter. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Sheppard (John) and sister-in-law Patricia Brunson (Marty). 

 David served in the Air National Guard before dedicating 38 years to a distinguished career as an air traffic controller. After retirement, he shared his expertise as an instructor at the University of Oklahoma’s FAA Academy, shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.

 A man of diverse talents and interests, David was a skilled woodworker, a gifted musician who played multiple instruments including the clarinet and saxophone, and a dedicated leader, serving as president and treasurer of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was well-known for his warm personality, humor, and ability to connect with everyone he met—truly, he never met a stranger.

 David’s life was guided by his deep and abiding faith in the Lord. He was passionate about ministry and serving his community, always putting others before himself and living as an example of Christ’s love.

 He was preceded in death by his two granddaughters, Stacey Barrows and McKenzie Barrows, and eight siblings: Margie Starling, Leroy Smith, Cecil Smith, Bill Smith, Barbara Abercrombie, Lloyd Smith, Melba Wingate, and Norma Thompson.

Family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Companion Funeral Home, located at 6018 John Douglas Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37421. A service will follow the visitation.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hearth Hospice or your local chapter of Disabled Veterans of America.

 David Edward Smith’s life was a shining example of love, faith, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but never forgotten.