David Warren Smith
July 26, 1957 – February 27, 2023
David Warren Smith, 65, passed away February 27, 2023.
A native of Montgomery County, Md., son of the late John Milton and Helen Marie Sheehan Smith, he was a member of Hope Community Church, Hedgesville, West Virginia.
Dave was a disciple of Jesus Christ, a loving father, unconditionally loving husband, great brother, perfect and funny grandfather, and compassionate and smart businessman; he was a forgiving man who held no grudges.
Growing up in rural Maryland, Dave could be likened to Huckleberry Finn—a mischievous boy, adventurous, and even cunning. Mark Twain would have loved David, and the book would have been a classic, just like Dave. The stories of Dave are shared many times over because they are so good.
He always saw the best in people and helped countless along his journey. He rarely met a person that didn’t become an instant friend. His infectious, bigger-than-life personality, quick wit, charisma, bold faith, kindness and mercy brought joy to all, especially his family. Dave was a self-made entrepreneur from a very young age. He loved the art of the deal and making sales happen, which paid off in spades in several business endeavors; the last of which, his company Mountaineer Materials Handling served hundreds of clients for twenty-five years. He took both pride and joy in taking care of his employees (the “crew”) and partners along the way—leaving behind a legacy of providing for families and making every interaction truly fun while also never hesitating to take an opportunity to spread the gospel he knew to be true (John 8:36). Dave had several passions in which he excelled—golf and playing the guitar, both self-taught. Dave loved making bets on the golf course and his annual buddy getaway in Capon Springs. Shortly after moving to Berkeley Springs, he engaged in the community by becoming a Little League umpire, dabbled in acting with community plays at the Ice House, and generously supported the arts and local businesses. Whatever, whomever, wherever, he brought along his penchant for shenanigans with jokes, fun, and always a boldness for things he believed in. It was fun and laughter when Dave Smith was around and usually holding court.
After relocating with Joan, his beloved wife of 40 years, to Greenville, S.C. to spend time near their grandchildren, he also became an active member of AA and a community favorite even in just his short time of attendance.
He was an intelligent man; he followed politics, often quoting the Declaration of Independence and could recall historical names and dates in great detail. He did not shy away from giving his opinion and could debate with the best of us. Dave had a love of old movies, recalling the lines, characters, and actors who played them with an incredible degree of accuracy. He was a master of putting folks at ease, most often eliciting laughter. Dave was always prompt to pay a bill so that in his words, “They will always want to work with you.” Promptness and guessing the bill while dining out were also two of his favorite things where he would remind waitstaff that TIP stands for “To Insure Promptness” as he slipped them a $20. Guessing the check amount was a guaranteed activity at the end of every meal, with none better at guessing than Dave Smith. Unconditionally loving, humorous, and generous his entire life’s journey, he cherished time with his grandchildren and was the biggest cheerleader for his girls.
If he could say something, it would be “It’s (was) a Wonderful Life,” one of his favorite movies. Dave shared his life in remarkable ways with everyone God gave him the opportunity to meet. Even during his cancer journey, Dave reminded everyone of the humor in everything, and no one left an appointment without laughing. We know as he met Jesus, immediately freed from pain and suffering, he heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Among his last words to us as a family were, “Life is a blink; be well with love.” -Dave
Surviving are his wife, Joan Gaye Fleming Smith of the home; two daughters, Melissa Brooke Giglio (John) of Taylors, S.C., and Amanda Michelle Barnhart (Timothy) of Greenville, S.C.; four brothers, Stephan Smith (Dawn) of Great Cacapon, W.Va., Jeffrey Smith (Joanne) of Challis, Idaho, Jonathan Smith of Lewes, Del., and Andrew Smith (Laura) of Lakeland, Fla.; four sisters, Mary Ellen Ames (Ron) of The Villages, Fla., Barbara Junkin (George) of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Eileen O’Connell of The Villages, Fla., and Catherine Smith of Holmes Beach, Fla; and three grandchildren, Macy Michelle Giglio, Warren Fleming Barnhart and Noah Timothy Barnhart.
Mr. Smith was predeceased by one sister, Susan Betts.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 4 p.m., at Hope Community Church, 6867 Hedgesville Rd., Hedgesville, W.Va. 25427. All who knew and loved him are encouraged to attend.
Anyone who wishes may place flowers below the business sign at Mountaineer Materials Handling, 4782 Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia 25411. If you are unable to place them yourself, you may have them delivered to the business and a member of the “crew” he deeply cared for will place them for you.
He was a member in good standing of AA and as a part of their founding principles, they are unable to accept donations as they are self-funded.
