Dear Family of Dave Smith , I want to give you my sincere condolences of Dave’s passing . I just found out on Friday night when they gave Dave an award presented to his wife for all the years of service that he gave for the Girard & Williamsville football programs . I met Dave about 22yrs ago when he was president of the Girard JFL and I was reffing for the Girard JFL . He had me start assigning the officials for the JFL and I’m still assigning the NorthMac JFL currently . Dave was a dear friend and he always had a smile on his face . Every time if I would be reffing and Dave would be there we would always hug each other ! I will miss you dear friend and may you rest in Gods hands . Love You Brother!

To My Entire Family,

To put it simply, David is the best...is, was and always will be... His hugs are the best. He loves without end and one could catch up without skipping a beat. He was a rock in the family and I won't forget his love for family. I am crushed to know that I will never get another bone crushing hug from him when I return to Illinois. Know that you are all in my thoughts at this most tragic time...This cousin will remember his hugs and smiles the most..

Sandy Boston Cook

Mary Ann & Family,

I was saddened to hear of your loss of David.

Please know how very sorry I am.

Toby and Tasha Dunn and family

Uncle Smitty was one of the greatest human beings I have met in my 41 years of life, and I know he will be impossible to top. If I ever become half the man he was, I would be happy! I love you Uncle Smitty, and I know we will see each other again, until that day, keep the tee box open, and the cooler iced down! I love you more than you will ever know! Rest in peace Uncle!

I’ll never forget when I met Dave as a classmate in the 7th grade and we’ve been good friends ever since. So many great memories I will always cherish. He made everyone feel like a friend, would help anyone in the time of need, and I wasn’t a bit surprised when he was selected as Citizen of the Year at Festival Days! Although I’ve moved away and didn’t get to see him regularly, any time we met up was as if we’d seen each other the day before. He was always funny, kind, and caring with a driven work ethic and leadership skills that were obvious to me at a young age. During our high school years our class had a booth at Festival Days. Dave worked diligently on a construction project to make sure our game wheel (think Wheel of Fortune!) was just perfect and it was! He was a big participant in preparing for the ‘Almost Anything Goes’ event we had at school, homecoming floats, and was an organizer of our class reunions. Some may know that Dave was an artist, but may not know he was an excellent singer, too, which earned him a spot on our high school swing choir. This allowed us to share even more memorable moments. Family meant the world to Dave and he had told me at our last class reunion how he was determined to have an extended family trip/gathering because “life is short and we never know what tomorrow brings.” I think his plan came to fruition, which makes me so happy because I know how much Dave hoped for that. His love for Lori, his sons, and his grandchildren was evident when he’d fill me in on his life. He was so proud of all of them! Dave always had the biggest smile and I will forever hear his laugh. I will miss my classmate and long-time friend. Class reunions will never be the same without him. My prayers will continue for you, Lori, and your family. Hug those sweet little ones, who I know will miss Pawpaw terribly. Mary Ann, I will be praying for you and Dave’s siblings as well. What a wonderful son you raised. May the prayers of many bring you all a bit of comfort during this difficult time.

With love and deepest sympathy,

Mary Richardson Neff

Heartfelt prayers and hugs go out to Lori and the family. Dave was a great guy and will be missed my many.

My condolences to the family, relatives and close friends for such a tremendous loss. May God provide you the comfort and strength for such a time as this.

Dave and I were colleagues through work and it was always a joy chatting with him at the Annual Company Meetings. Whenever we'd talk about youth sports, he'd always break into a big smile. In fact, Dave would have a gleam in his eyes whenever talk about my grandson's PONY League play came up.

I didn't have the privilege of seeing Dave coach. However, I'm certain his passion for teaching passed on well to his kids. He will be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to David's family in this time of loss. Dave was a special person in many ways to many people. I had a few occasions to spend some windshield time with Dave for work as we traveled together. We always had great conversation and laughs as we passed the time. Dave had a way of presenting himself and teaching complex ideas that made even a novice like me understand what he was teaching. David's family meant the world to him, he was always happy and proud to talk about his wife, kids and grandkids when we would have the chance to catch up. David touched the lives of many people both in his work and personal life.

Prayers for the family and those who are feeling the loss of David Smith.

Dave became a part of the Williamsville Football Program when Derek joined us. He was a big part of our sideline on Friday nights in the fall and Saturdays in November! He did anything we needed help with. He gave the players such positive words when they needed them.

One of my favorite memories that I have with Dave is when he was helping Derek and Chelsey build their house in Williamsville. You could tell, even though he was working, he was really proud of his family and enjoyed being such a big part of the building of their new home. I was tiling a small area and I can still hear him asking me, "Aren't you done yet?" It was a fun couple of days.

As a dad, husband, grandpa, and friend, Dave was amazing. He would do anything for anyone and he was a friend the moment he met you.

I feel fortunate to have spent quality time with Dave. He truly was one of a kind! He will be greatly missed!

I’m so sorry to hear about Dave… He always had a smile on his face especially when talking about his family… my heart and prayers go out to everyone who loved him. He impacted so many people and always had a kind word to say. He will be sadly missed. To his family I am sending heartfelt sympathy.

So sorry to hear about Dave a good friend always had smile our hearts goes out to Lori and family, Mary ann. Bill and Maxine Hohimer

Mary Ann,

My heartfelt sympathy to you and all of Dave's family.

You are in my thoughts ad prayers.

Jo Ann Barnett

Mary Ann and family, May God’s Comfort and Peace be Yours.

Lori and family, Our hearts break for you at this sudden loss of a wonderful man. You are in our thoughts. Hugs!

Dave Smith tribute

I became acquainted with Dave after he and Lori moved back to Girard.

A few of the parents were trying to organize a junior football team. We had bought some equipment and Leslie Culley scheduled some games but we didn’t know who would coach this team until Dave came along.

When he heard about our efforts, he jumped in with both feet. His previous experience was valuable and he immediately became our coach and leader. My hopes of an exciting and successful football team of our boys was suddenly developing two years earlier than expected. It was so fun to watch these boys learn and become a team. We divided them into three grade groups. They ran plays that I couldn’t keep up with, but somehow they did! They ran circles around our opponents- I don’t think we lost any games. Our success was only exceeded by the fun that was had.

Tyler was on to high school the next year but Derrick’s prospects kept Dave with JFL. It was at least 10 years of Junior high boys that enjoyed Dave’s influence.

My son, Andy played four years of college football, and experienced several coaches during his career. His grandpa Randol Mercer said it best.- Dave Smith was the best coach Andy ever had.

My sincere condolences to Lori, Tyler and the rest of Dave’s beloved family. One thing we all knew about Dave, is how deeply he loved them. Family drove his success in business. He was a great teacher, always willing to answer the many questions I had. I’d often tease him that, because of him, I knew more about refrigeration than I ever wanted to. He will be greatly missed!

Sending our deepest condolences to your family.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dave, a truly kind-hearted and optimistic individual who touched the lives of many. His selfless devotion to family, friends, and his community will be fondly remembered. In this difficult time, please know that our loving thoughts and prayers surround Mary Ann, Lori, Tyler, Derek, and their entire family. May you find comfort in your cherished memories and the love he leaves behind.

Such a loss. My love to Lori and family.

He was the best cousin I knew. My Mom's favorite nephew. Nearly 10 years ago, we were on the verge of losing our house. He became our landlord. If not for Dave, we may have ended up on the street. It's no wonder he was Citizen of the Year & no wonder he was loved by many. There will never be another one like him. My Mom & I will miss him terribly/