Donald Lee Smith, affectionately known to his friends and family as "Smitty," went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Donald was born April 27, 1938, in Baxter, WV. He was the eldest son of five children, born to Matthew and Daisy Mae (Huffman) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Daisy, his wife, Nancy, grandson, Christopher Curtis, brothers, Matthew & Kermit Smith, and sister Janet (Smith) Johnson.

Donald attended Dunbar High School, where he was a member of the 1955 West Virginia Black High School State Championship football team. In 1956, Donald graduated from Fairmont Senior High School, as part of the first integrated high school class in the State of West Virginia. Upon graduation, Donald enlisted into the 101st Airborne Infantry Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Donald served his country honorably. During his service at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, President Eisenhower ordered the 101st Division into Little Rock, Arkansas to endure the safety of the "Little Rock Nine." Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Donald returned to Charleston, WV, where he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Leftridge. From this union, they were blessed with a son, Steven, and a daughter, Donna.

Donald owned and operated Smitty's Shoe Shine stand in Fairmont, WV. He was the track announcer at Eldora Raceway and the owner/operator of a successful Janitorial service. Donald's work ethic and ambition led him to gain employment at Westinghouse Glass Plant and he later retired as a Lieutenant for the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

Civic minded, Donald was active in organizations that aligned with his values. He was a member of the Blue Lodge Mason's belonging to Meridian Lodge #17, Fairmont, WV. He was the past Deputy of West Virginia for the United Supreme Council, Thotmes Temple #113, past Worthy Patron of Ruth Chapter #37, Fairmont, WV, and past Sovereign Inspector General, mentoring fellow Masons to receive their 33rd Degree. Donald was also a member of the Fairmont Jaycees and a founding member of the Magnificent Souls Motorcycle Club. He was a dedicated lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon, Trustee, and member of the adult choir and male chorus.

Donald is survived by his children, Steven Smith of Pittsburgh, PA, and Donna Smith of Fairmont, WV; grandchildren, Carlton (Dariane) Drake, Tyreek Drake, Keyshon Drake, Tamika Summerfield, and Shakira Smith; great grandchildren, Luna Drake - Gonzalez, Nyla Drake, and Noni Drake; nephews, Tyrone Johnson and Eric Smith; nieces, Mica Aaron, Joanne Carter, Pamela Jones, Brandi Smith, and Michelle (Robert) Peters. Donald is also survived by his sister, Joan (Smith) Lacey and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Donald will forever be remembered as a kind, caring, and humble man who was true to his word and who, without fail, lent a hand to those who needed it. His quiet manner and great smile were always on display whenever he entered a room. His dedication to any involvements were known and respected by all family he encountered. He was dedicated to God, Church, and Family.

The family will receive friends at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 135 Maple Avenue in Fairmont, on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral will be at the church on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Mark A. Staples officiating. Interment will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Fairmont. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.