"Dear SmithFamily: Please accept my sincere apologies for your loss. I'm sure that this is a difficult time for the family. The Bible has always been of some comfort for me. At Acts 24:15 our heavenly Father promises us that he will resurrect our loved ones to life again. But, until that time, at Philippians 4:6,7, God has promised to give us his peace. This peace will guard our hearts and minds through this tragedy. I hope these verses comfort you. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss."
In loving memory of
Don J. Smith
April 16, 1927 - April 1, 2018
Don Juan Smith, known to everyone as "DJ", 90, of Bradenton, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 1, 2018 surrounded by family members. It doesn't surprise us that DJ to choose Easter and April Fool's Day to make his exit!
DJ was born in Starr, Ohio on April 16, 1927 to Juan Smith and Florence McAfee Smith. After his mother's death, DJ and his sister, Betty (deceased), were raised by their maternal Grandparents George McAfee and Amy Robbins McAfee along with 8 aunts and uncles. DJ loved basketball in High School and was an All-State player in his Junior year. After graduation, DJ joined the Navy and proudly served on the USS Princeton.
After his military service, DJ worked as a Tool Designer at Metal Forge Company in Columbus, OH. He married Barbara Stallsmith on February 21, 1951 and they were together until her death in February 1993. DJ retired in May, 1988 and he and Barbara moved to Englewood, FL where they thoroughly enjoyed their many friends and retirement years.
DJ is survived by his children, Amy Bensinger, Christie Wilson and husband Tim Wilson, Ed Smith and wife Amy Smith, grandchildren, Jeff Wilson, Sarah Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Crystal Wilcox, Shelby Bensinger, Justin Smith, Cayden Smith, and great-granddaughter Emilia Wilson. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Jane Stallsmith Smith and sister Betty Smith Thompson.
The Memorial Service will be held on April 17, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery with Military Honors.
DJ's sense of humor brightened all our lives! He was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Lemon Bay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.