David Allen Smith

David Allen Smith, 77, of Morganton, NC, gained his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Born in Burke County, NC on November 19, 1947, he was the son of the late James D. Shook and Iona Smith.

David was a US Army veteran of 20 years, including two tours in the Vietnam War. He enjoyed traveling and had traveled statewide in Virginia and South Carolina. While overseas, he was also stationed in Germany and Panama.

David retired from the Army in 1986 and moved back home to Morganton. He was a member of VFW Post 5362 and served as quartermaster. He was also a member of the Cooties, a traveling group of veterans, and served as Santa for the children’s Christmas party for many years. He worked for and retired from the Western Carolina Youth Institute.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of over 59 years, Kaye Branch Smith; son, Allen Smith (fiancé, Nelda Sorrells); daughters, Chris Smith Curry and Ocyona Smith (Lanndan); grandchildren, Caleb Smith, Eric Smith (Amanda), Casey Smith, Marek Curry, Ashyn Hamby, Samantha Hamby, and Miranda Hamby; great-grandchildren, Riley, Zaiden, NovaLeigh, Juniper, Benjamin, Ozzy, and Daisy; aunts and uncle, Helen, Arlene, and Jim; good friends, Ray and Terry; canine companions, Daisy Mae and Tiny; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his adopted father, Lester “Two Spot” Mull; step-father, Carl Speagle; and brothers, Ronnie Mull and Joe Speagle.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home and burial will follow in Conley Road Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery. Honors will be provided by the NC National Guard and the NC Department of Corrections Honor Guard.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.