David Smith

David Samuel Smith, of Knoxville, TN, age 78, peacefully passed on March 10, 2022.  After 36 years, the Ford Motor Company executive retired as Manager of Minority Dealer Operations & Training Dept. Marketing Sales & Service Operations. Noteworthy, his career also included being the 1st black Dealer Development Branch Manager.  After living in MI during his career, he returned to TN to be the caregiver to his beloved mother, Olivia Smith, who preceded him in death, as did his father Samuel Wiley Smith Sr. and brother Samuel Wiley Smith Jr.

Dave was a faithful member of Mt. Olive AME Zion, serving as treasurer and on the Board of Trustees; he was an active volunteering member serving in a host of roles throughout the community; an avid golfer; an all-around awesome guy!

He is survived by loving children, David A. Smith of MI and Jamie Winburn of Ohio; sisters, Margaret Thaxton, Virginia Edwards, and brother, Calvin Smith. Five devoted grandchildren; host of nieces and nephews; and the devoted love of his life, Annette Sharp. Dave’s optimism, encouragement, leadership, you name it, will be missed by many. Dave was everybody’s best friend!

Visitation by friends will be Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church 1601 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, March 18, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church in Etowah, TN with pastor Benjamin Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Greenhill Cemetery in Etowah, TN.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of David Smith to

Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church

133 County Road 812

P. O. Box 383  Etowah, TN. 37331

In observance of Covid-19 all are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing.