1925 – 2024
On March 28, 2024, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Donald Christopher McGee Smith Sr. passed away at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Donald was 98 years old, born May 10, 1925.
“Don” was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to James and Grace Smith. He grew up in Mathews, Virginia. Once married, he moved his young family to Hingham, Massachusetts, close to his cousin, Mable Diggs. He then moved his family to Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1961. He was self-employed in the dry-cleaning business. Don eventually relocated to North Brookfield where he oversaw operations and facilities at Springfield Urban League’s Camp Atwater, where he gave all of himself to the camp and the surrounding community for 42 years, before retiring at the age of 91. During this time, he also worked on the North Brookfield Board of Health for 20 years. He also worked with the Historical Society. He became part of the fabric of the community of North Brookfield. He was loved, and respected in town, as he was when he resided and worked in Springfield. He was compassionate, and always willing to engage with those around him. He always spoke his mind. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening, and other outdoor activities. While in his 60s he taught himself to excel with computers. He also loved playing cards, especially spades. Finally, he moved back to Springfield in January 2023, living with his son Donald “Chris” and family.
Don was a widower, who left behind two sons, Donald Christopher McGee Smith Jr. of Springfield and wife Gwendolyn, and Michael James Smith and wife Sybil, and two daughters, Cheryl Elizabeth Smith of Springfield and Adrianne Jessica Smith of Casa Grande, Arizona. He also left behind grandsons, Christian Smith of West Springfield and wife Ja’Net, and Sheldon Smith of Springfield, Mark Smith and Jeffrey Smith, both of Casa Grande, and five great-grandchildren, Giadon, Trevian, Nevaeh, Caiden and Asia. He also left behind nieces, Janice Gardner of Newport News, Virginia, and Barbara Taylor and husband George of Hampton, Virginia; nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, cousins and many other family members and friends.
A funeral service was held Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the New Hope Fellowship Church, Hartfield. Don will be laid to rest in the family cemetery in Mathews at a later date.
Harrell Funeral Home, Springfield, Massachusetts, and J.K. Redmond Funeral Home, Shacklefords, were in charge of arrangements.