David Wayne Smith, 74, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Abilene, Texas. A memorial service will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, located at 7457 West Lake Road, Abilene, Texas on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

David was born August 19, 1951, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to parents, Winchester M. Smith and Katie Lee (Kennedy) Smith. He grew up and graduated from Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas. He joined the United States Air Force in March of 1970 and was stationed at Dyess AFB. While stationed there, he met and married his wife Brenda Jean (Hewitt) Smith on December 21, 1972, at the Salvation Army. They made their home in Hamby, Texas. David and Brenda welcomed four children, Jason D. Smith, Druke E. Smith, Lindsey (Smith) Ward, and Brittney (Smith) Perkins.

David was a proud veteran serving his country as a SGT in the 96th Security Police Squadron and fighting the war in Vietnam. David spent years working at CCC Supply in Abilene, followed by 25 years as a Corrections Officer at TDCJ Robertson Unit. When David was not working to support his family, he enjoyed playing the guitar, hunting, fishing, and yearly trips to Ruidoso, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Winchester M. Smith and Katie Lee (Kennedy) Smith; and son, Druke E. Smith.

David is survived by his wife, of 53 years, Brenda Jean (Hewitt) Smith; son Jason D. Smith and wife Ann M. Smith; their children Jason G. Smith, Lance Cpl Travis D. Smith, and Kendell L. Foreman; daughter Brittney (Smith) Perkins and husband Shane Perkins; their fur babies Cash and Ellie; granddaughter Jaylynn (Ward) Smith; her beloved dog, Jasper; daughter Lindsey (Smith) Ward; her children Logan, Joshua, Brendalynn, Madilynn, and Marshall; and Toby, his African Grey Parrot.

The family would like to thank the staff of Silver Spring and Hendrick Hospice for the care these last few months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation be made in David's honor to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.bailey-howardfuneralhome.com