DAVID LEE SMITH

On December 18, 2016, David Lee Smith, 83, of Lodi, auditioned for God’s Heavenly A Capella Choir, at which time David was quickly promoted to lead tenor position.

David Lee Smith was born on December 22, 1932, in Lodi, California, to Walter A. and Ruth O. Smith of Lodi. He was welcomed by an older sister and shortly followed by a younger sister. David would later be blessed with two brothers.

David was employed in the printing business for many years. At age 8, David began working at his grandfather’s printing company in Lodi. At age 10, he would go to work for paying wages for the very same printing company, Tolliver Printing Company, located in Downtown Lodi on Sacramento Street. In 1964, the establishment would operate under Lodi Printing Company. David, an accomplished Offset Letter

Pressman, retired in 2002. David attended Garfield Elementary and Needham Middle schools in Lodi. He attended Lodi Union High School and was a member of the tumbling and gymnastics teams. He joined and became a member of the Order of DeMolay in 1947, and in 1948, he joined and performed in the A Capella Choir. David graduated Lodi Union High School class of 1951.

Collecting comic books became a favorite muse and as a teen David would spend his summers on his grandmother’s ranch where he enjoyed many a fun time participating in, and the performing of, stunning acrobatic competitions out in the barn. There was never a dull moment. Many a prank of various sorts and practical jokes were shared between siblings and friends out on the ranch. Here, David met and fell in love with, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Duffy. David married Betty on February 8, 1952, at the Church of the Wayfair in Carmel, California.

In 1953 David served his country in the Korean War. He was among the 7th Infantry Combat Division out of Fort Ord. During his tour he was one of four men chosen from his company of 1000 to attend Sniper Training. Upon completion of his training, David would not be able to rejoin his company. They had all perished in battle during his Sniper Training. It would take David nearly 60 years to share this event with family members.

In 1954, David and Betty purchased their first home in Lodi on Cardinal Street. The newlyweds welcomed two daughters and enjoyed hosting neighborhood block parties where deep friendships were formed with those who attended the Smith backyard BBQ’s. In later years, David lived in Fallon, Nevada, and in 2016 made his way back to Lodi.

David enjoyed playing games. You name it…board games, ping-pong, bridge, pinochle, craps, slots, and especially poker. A kid-at-heart, he enjoyed foot races with his daughters and a ruthless game of tag. One of his fondest memories, David, a softball pitcher of 25 years, enjoyed coaching his daughters and their friends in Lodi Parks and Recreation Girls Softball League.

A devoted husband, loving father, fun Papa Smurf, and a most attentive son, David was a servant of God. David was a member of the First United Christian Congregational Church in Lodi. David raised his family to know and love the Lord, all the while, singing his praises in the church choir for many, many years. Additionally, David served his community as a member of the Lodi Sunset Lions Club. In 1964 he served as the Club’s president and in recent years, he was a member of the Elks #2239.

As a young man and throughout most of his adulthood, David enjoyed many recreational activities ranging from; hiking, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, bowling, baseball, softball, and camping. A handyman, jack-of-all-trades, and mechanically inclined, David was quick to lend a helping hand, could fix ANYTHING, many times fabricated his own parts. In recent years he could be found at any rib & chili cook off within 100 miles and family visits would include the all-day ritual of smoked ribs. But the ultimate favorites were the trips to Lake Tahoe! And these trips were countless! However, the $20 limit was always respected (wink, wink).

In 1977, David married the love-of-his- life, Lennice Porter Reese, at the First United Christian Congregational Church, Reverend Paul R Donavan officiating. Their infectious love was tragically cut short.

In his last hours, David and his family rejoiced in the comfort of his favorite prayers and favorite hymns. The reciting of familiar prayers and favorite choral hymns led by Reverend Elias and Pastor George commenced his journey Home. He was comforted along the way by the special care shown to him and his family by Kaiser South ICU nurses, Sunshine, Craig, and Aaron.

David is survived by Sharon Smith of Lodi; daughters, Carmela Luiz (Pat) of Lodi, and Shelly Tirapelle of Olympia, Washington; five grandsons, four great grandchildren; sister Phyllis Pearrow (Ray) of Silver Bay, Minnesota, and brother Ralph Smith (Brenda) of Acampo, California.

He was preceded in death by Elizabeth Smith; Lennice Smith; father, Walter A. Smith; Mother, Ruth O. Havlina; sister, Janis Doerr; and brother, Walter Smith, Jr.

An intimate Father’s Day Celebration-of-Life gathering in Lake Tahoe was held in David’s honor. A thanksgiving for a most delightful man. A feast of ribs. A precious prayer. A sweetest song. Highballs allaround. Each in attendance calling out eulogies in his honor. Helium balloons with personal loving messages were launched in the hills of Lake Tahoe adorning a most spectacular view of the lake. Finally, in David Smith style, a $20 limit donation to Harrah’s was made by all. Until we meet again, RIP.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.