of Batesville, AR
March 10, 1958 - March 5, 2023
Daniel M. Smith was born on March 10, 1958 to Merdie and Cloyce Smith in St. Louis, Missouri. Daniel went home to be with the Lord on March 5, 2023 with his loved ones by his side.
Daniel and Debra were married on February 14, 1985. Their relationship started many years before in Craig, Colorado in 1975. Daniel wanted to be a cook at Mathers Bar and Grill and he had to hire a dish washer to get that position. Little did he know back then, that hiring that 15 year old girl was eventually going to become a life sentence.
Debra and Daniel have three devoted sons, Caleb (Kathy) Smith of Poughkeepsie, Arkansas, Jack (Cindy) Smith of Melbourne, Arkansas, Jesse Smith of Batesville, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, Shawna (Jeff) Cunningham, Chyanne (Mariah) Smith, Camisha Smith, Drake Smith, Tamara VanHorn, Matthew Smith, Kristen Smith, Avery Hutchison, Zerond Smith and two great-grandchildren, Anthony VanHorn, and Hazel Cunningham.
Daniel and Debra were best friends for 48 years. Their life together was an adventure. When Daniel said "I do" he took his wedding vows seriously. Everyone could see how much he loved and cherished his wife, the love of his life. Daniel was a truck driver and part of the "Bad Boy" family. He loved to travel. He and his bride traveled the countryside on everything from a motorcycle to an 18 wheeler. They loved to share their favorite spot in Granite Creek, Wyoming with friends and family.
The most important thing to Daniel was his family. He enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting and fishing and most recently, kayaking (to please his wife). He would sing to children. He will be remembered most for his sense of humor. He had a way of making each of his grandchildren feel special. He bullied them all equally, from the oldest to his little Hazelnut.
Daniel is survived by his brother, Randy (Heidi) Smith; sisters, Pam Michel, Shelly (Randy) James, Tina (Don) Pysz and Susan Wallerstedt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merdie Smith and Cloyce Hinson; brothers, Warren Smith, Larry Smith, Ray Smith and his sister, Nita Simpson.
Honorary pallbearers are Randy Smith, Paul Tarango, Gary Vigil, Brad Webb, Karl Tarango, Ralph Tarango, Mike Hawk and Shad Chambliss.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 4:00pm at the Believers Community Church with Joe Insell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Refuge, 10 Bell Grove Rd, Batesville, AR, 72501.
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20 Condolence(s)
Daniel Garner
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Sandra and I have known this family for about 22 plus years ! Always a good with good people ! Debbie my heart goes out to you ! You are a good woman and most of us don't really know what you are feeling ! The Lord will take good care of you and the rest of your family ! I know Daniel truly Loved his Family !! God Bless all of you !
Jake Gallegos
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Our deepest condolences Debbi and family.
You have our sympathy, love and prayers going out to you at this difficult time.
Essie Jane Vinson
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Debbie and family, so sorry for your loss, prayers for you during the coming days. He was a great guy and know he will be missed by many.
Linda Herpin
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I’m so very sorry for your loss…I pray The Lord will heal, & comfort you, through the warmth of His compassionate love He for each one you.
Debbie, all of you will continue to be in my heart, thoughts, & prayers.
Enclosed…much love & hugs 🌹
Joe Gallegos
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
So so sorry for your loss. Daniel treated so good when we visited you two. Daniel will be missed but we will see him again. Deb you were truly blessed to have had Daniel in your life for so long. Loss is hard I could not imagine losing my wife . If you need anything let us know. We love you and are in prayer as well as our church prayer warriors. Love ya
Robert Wolverton
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad I got to know Daniel I'm sure gonna miss him and seeing his Grey truck coming down the drive way at Mike's and Christy's. God bless
Carl zerna
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I am so happy that your brother Warren introduced us, I truly enjoyed going on elk hunts and meeting you on special occasions. I'm sure you're going to be happy being able to be reunited with your family. I am also sure that those that are left behind will truly miss you, sincerely
Pamela Gann
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family. Debbie, if u or the boys need anything, plse let me know. I love u all.
Ella Rubio
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
It was great to have met you , you gave great advice , you will always be remembered. Love you primo
Vicki Vigil
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Debbie our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this difficult time Love you all Vicki and Marcos
Marketta Smith
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
So sorry for your loss I pray god to be with you guys, he was very much love I miss that smile ,he love his family’s with all prayers and love for you!!!
Marketta Smith
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
So so sorry for your loss he will never forget he was a good man, Debbie you could see how much he love his family’s,Sorry can’t be there to celebrate his passing I love all of you guys he is in a much better place all my love for family
Leon & Deborah Preston
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
We will miss Daniel & will be praying for Debra & family! Our heart goes out to Jack at this difficult time! Leon & Daniel swapped “truck driving†stories not long ago. Leon & Daniel shared their sense of humor & love of family!
Kenneth Smith
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I will miss "My brother from another mother " as we referred to each other. My heart goes out to the family of Daniel whom he always bragged about. Might get in a word or two about hunting or fishing, but it always came back around to wife, kids, and grandchildren. Will be missed in many ways. R.I.P. my friend.
Paul and Debbie VanHorn
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Debbie and family, our prayers and thoughts have been and will continue to be with you and the family. Daniel was always so kind and friendly whenever and wherever we saw him. He made us feel a part of the family and he loved Anthony and Tamara right along with us. He and Paul enjoyed talking motorcycles! Blessed to say both of you always made us feel like friends! Much love, and more prayers will continue throughout for you and the family.
John Hager
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Daniel, the first time I met him we became good friends. One of many thing that stood out to me with Daniel is always smiling and laughing and very caring.
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Jason and Crystal Scherr
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Our prayers are with you.
Nancy Paluck
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Daniel was a wonderful person, Loved by everyone he met. If there is anything I can do, I'm here for you Debbie. May God grant you peace and comfort and may the perpetual light shine upon Daniel.
Lisa Johnson
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
The angels are singing and rejoicing. Daniel was a wonderful person, willing to help anyone. He had a great sense of humor. Was an amazing story teller. It was a honor to call him cousin. I pray that Debbie and their sons find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Fly high cuz.
Dustin, Jesica & Ryan Bishop
Monday, March 6, 2023
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!!