David Smith

Obituary of David Smith

In Loving Memory of David Smith, III Alpha - September 19, 1950 Omega - October 12, 2021 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. David “Smitty” Smith III was born from the union of David Smith Jr. and Essie Lee Harrison Smith on September 19, 1950, in Morgan City, Louisiana. He was the second sibling of this union. When David was born, he was predicted to be a musician by his great aunt Ruth. David passed away peacefully on October 12, 2021, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. David was raised in Opelousas, Louisiana and attended both elementary and high school at J.S. Clark where he graduated in 1968. Upon graduating David attended Grambling State University, and graduated in 1973 where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. While at Grambling he would often perform with jazz trio bands and would dedicate his time to learning his craft of music. He was remembered for carrying the upright bass instrument all around campus and was referred to as “Stravinsky”. David was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which he joined in Spring 1970 (Gamma Gamma) at Grambling State University. He later attended Catholic University where he worked towards his Master’s Degree in Music. David married Marie Zackrie on November 26, 1971, and moved to Washington, D.C. and from that union was born one daughter, Melanie A. Smith. His love of music is what attracted his friends that he would perform with across the country for many years. His favorite past time was listening to iconic jazz music in the basement with his cousins James E. Drew, Toni Bass, and friend Leon Mack. David retired from the United States Postal Service and loved his career. In his spare time, he would perform with jazz ensembles at various venues in Minnesota and write music. He lived a very simplistic life, and loved visiting his family in Opelousas, Louisiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and Mamou, Louisiana. David was proceeded in death by his father; David Smith, Jr.; Uncle; Dr. Fin Smith, stepfather Doris Mitchell, Sr.; brothers Curtis Mitchell; William T. Smith; sisters Christine Green, and Thealois Leslie. He leaves to cherish his loving daughter; Melanie A. Smith (Maryland); Grand-daughter; Imani Kakoma (Maryland); Marie Zackrie (Maryland); Mother; Essie Mitchell (Opelousas, Louisiana); Brothers; Ronald Mitchell (Valynda) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kenneth Smith (Beverly) of Maryland; Claudis Smith (Kinatta) of Houston, Texas; Chrispin Smith (Denmark) Sisters; Ruth Jones (Nashville, Tennessee); Dr. Julia Darbonne (Carroll) of Opelousas, Louisiana; Shirley Hicks (Eunice, Louisiana); Cheryl Guillory (Opelousas, Louisiana); Shawn Smith (Maryland); Pauline Lewis (Lafayette, Louisiana); Krystal Smith (Maryland) and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of David Smith, III, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Smith, please visit Tribute Store
A Memorial Tree was planted for David
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Spielman Mortuary
Share Your Memory of
David