Donnie R. Smith

Donnie Ray Smith, 70, of Sandyville passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, at Camden Clark Medical Center following a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Born on February 22nd, 1954, Donnie graduated Ravenswood High School in 1972, briefly enrolled at a local technical school, and went on to become a welder, farmer, husband, and father.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Earl and Flossie Gladys (Wolfingbarger) Smith; and brothers, Leonard Cleo, Ronnie Jay, and James Alton “Ick” Smith. He is survived by his wife Debbie (Brooks) Smith of 50 years and their three children Erica (Steven), Alicia, and Nathaniel; four grandchildren (Peighton and Jackson Foster, and Whitman and Quincy Kosak); brother Doyle and beloved sister, Barbara Hardesty.

As a welder, Donnie held certifications from Columbia Gas and Conoco Phillips. He retired in early 2020 from Valtronics, after having worked for Energy Measurement Control Inc, Century Aluminum, Natural Gas Construction, Bicon, Labarge Brothers, L & A Pipeline and more. He was a highly skilled tradesman. As a Certified Welding Supervisor, he spent countless hours teaching the trade to younger generations of welders, whom he trained and tortured with his uncompromising perfectionism, both on and off the clock.

Donnie also used his trade skills extensively on the home front–he was an original DIYer, constantly making, building, and tinkering (or, disassembling and stockpiling parts). He carved out a homestead for his family at the edge of the Smith family farm, built an A-frame, and planted a sizable garden each summer. He randomly acquired livestock, including “Charlotte” the cow, “Brewster” the rooster, and “Otis” the donkey. He enjoyed crackling fires, bluegrass music, cold beer, cigarettes, and being a menace to the local groundhog population. He especially enjoyed “gouging” his close family, friends, and coworkers with his wry wit and judgement, often calling his sister Barb between the hours and 4 and 6 AM to banter with her.

Friends, family and acquaintances near and far may call on the funeral home for visitation, Sunday June 9, from 4-8 PM. A private graveside service for family and close friends on Monday. Interment will be at the Independence Cemetery, Sandyville. Online memories, condolences and photographs may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.