David N. J. Smith

David Nicholas Joseph Smith, 71, of Mentor, Ohio, departed this life Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Western Reserve David Simpson Hospice, Cleveland.

He was born November 26, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, the eldest son of Chester Arthur Smith and Janice Davies May. David graduated from Colonel White High School, Dayton (1971). He attended Wilberforce University, Wilberforce (1971-1973), The Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology, Dayton (2003-2004), and Clark State Community College, Springfield (2011).

David was an avid golfer, becoming a Golf Ranger at Dayton’s Madden and Kittyhawk Golf Courses and later a golf superintendent. He cherished playing with friends Darwin, Diamond and Chet of The Ohio Players.

David was a businessman and entrepreneur from 1983 to 1997, owned and operated Promotions Express Screenprinting Company in Trotwood. His original artwork was sold across the county, including for Walt Disney Inc. Among many great pieces: the Black Cowboys Series, the 1993 Great Flood of Mississippi (20,000) and 1995 Million Man March, Washington, DC. (29,000), Juneteenth (15,000).

Like his father, he favored Frank Sinatra, Big Band and smooth jazz. ‘Big David’, affectionately called by his family, was an incredible cook, with his specialty being the BBQ grill.

He loved fishing and golfing with the men at Canfield UMC and the friendship of the men of Mentor UMC Thursday Men’s Breakfast.

David became a certified commercial driver CDL in 2011 and enjoyed traveling long haul until retirement in 2020.

David was raised Catholic and baptized in the Baptist faith at Shiloh MBC, Dayton.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Julianne E. Jones, Lori Hurst, and son Ptah-Hotep Tate Smith.

David will be forever in the hearts of his wife Ivy Jo Kirtdoll Smith, his sons: Daniel (Kenya) Core of Tipp City, OH; Steven Burse of Detroit, MI; Solomon (Candace) Smith of San Antonio, TX; and daughters: Kemona Jones of Grand Rapids, MI; and Lydia Jo Smith of Mentor; brothers: Jonathan (Frankie) Davies, Mark (Agnes) Bradford, David Davies, Ronald Smith; sisters: Nona Chambers, Ruth Norris, Janet Russell, Rhea Davies, Jean Davies, Jill Paschal; cousin: G. Leroy Potter, a beloved Aunt: Joyce Few; ex-wife Freda Smith, stepmom Delores Hurst, Habeeb Shafeek, Bradford McBride, grandchildren, family, in-laws and friends.

Service will be Saturday, March 9 at 1pm at Mentor UMC, 8600 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Mentor United Methodist Church in David's name.

The service will be livestreamed. Pre-music begins at 12:40pm.