David W. Smith, 76, of Hart, Texas passed away and entered his heavenly gates on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Lubbock.  Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Hart with Dr. Gene Meacham and Dr. Matt Baird officiating.  Burial will follow in Hart Cemetery under the care of Colonial Funeral Home of Dimmitt.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
David was born on January 6, 1948, in Sayre, Oklahoma to Harold and Faye (Ellis) Smith. His family moved to Hart, TX in 1954 where he attended school and was 1966 Hart High School graduate. He went on to attend Texas Technical College briefly before returning to Hart to farm. He married Patricia Richburg on June 3, 1967, at First Methodist Church in Hart. From a young age, David was immersed in the rhythms of farm life and learned from his parents the values of hard work, perseverance, and a deep respect for the land.
His work was celebrated through numerous awards and appointments. The earliest of these were Lone Star Farmer in 1966 and Degree of American Farmer & State Area Farmer awards in 1968. In 1978, he was named first place Outstanding Young Farmer Award by the US Jaycee's and John Deere. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram recognized the Smith family as "Texas' Best in Vegetables" in 1992. Personal appointments included the Dean's Advisory Committee of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Texas Tech University from 1990 – 1995 and numerous state and national agricultural committees. Through these appointments he served under governors Anne Richards, George W Bush, and Rick Perry. He also served in various roles on the Hart ISD Board of Trustees for several years.
David's love for the Lord was at the core of everything he did. A devoted member and Deaon of the First Baptist Church in Hart, he served his congregation and community with unwavering dedication. His life was a living reflection of Christ's love and compassion. David was an avid snow skier in the winter & passionate water skier in the summer. His love for skiing was contagious and he sponsored many church youth trips to both the mountains and the lake. Davids's influence extended far beyond his own family, touching the lives of many people who will forever remember his adventurous spirit.
Together, he and Patricia built a family rooted in faith, love, and hard work. His family was blessed to experience his wisdom, patience, and gentle spirit and his legacy of faith and service will continue to live on in their hearts.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Patricia, and their children, Shelley Schulte and husband Stan of Nazareth, Zachary Smith and wife Michaela of Kingwood, and D'Neise Laverty and husband Trey of Shallowater. "Dodad," as he was affectionately called, will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Rena Eschenbacher and husband Kylar, Logan, Natalie, & Zoe Schulte, Deacon, Darvi, & Dawson Smith, and great-grandchildren Kenslie and Reid Laverty, brother Danny Smith and wife Becky of Olton, and sister Patti Vines and husband Randy of Lubbock, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends from the HHS Class of 1966.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Faye Smith, and son, Dennis Smith.