Don G. Smith

Don G. Smith, 82, of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018. He was born in California on June 26, 1935 to the late Emeri Rollin Smith and Ada Louise Smith. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, graveside in Glenwood Cemetery. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jimmie Smith; son Randall Brisendine and wife Kathy; son Donald Smith and wife Debbie; son Robert Smith and wife Lea Ann; daughter Becky Adams and husband Todd; sisters Betty Ruth Kelley and Beth Carlin; grandchildren Jason, Rebecca, Kevin, Samantha, Amanda, Anthony, Pepper, Roberta, Hanah, Emily, and Lauren; and great-grandchildren Riley, Paige, Zoe, Ivy, Kate, Reina, Tristen, Keoni, and Leim. Don had a successful technical career in which he always enjoyed learning – and inventing – new things. His passion for his work led him to develop multiple technical systems for the U.S. Armed Forces and private sector, and he holds multiple patents in the field of electronics. He was always proud of the fact that he never had to use a resume for work advancement; he made friends with everyone he met and the people who knew his character, and what he was capable of, would seek him out. Don relished interacting with people, in business and in his personal life. He loved driving long distances to see the country and spend more time with loved ones. He once had a multi-year business endeavor in California while living in Alabama and he would always drive out and back with his son. Don retired in 2003 and continued to be very active in his community, serving on the board of his condo association and helping neighbors with their computers and other technical issues whenever he could. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Don and his wife’s primary reason for moving to Oceanside, CA was to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, whom they regularly cared for and loved spending time with. In 2016, Don and his wife moved back to Fort Payne to return to her childhood hometown. He will always be remembered as a caring man who had a deep love of family, always willing to give you a smile and lend a helping hand. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Don G. Smith

June 26, 1935 - February 2, 2018