Donald Smith

Collierville, TN and Princeton, ME – Donald R. Smith, 75, passed away in Princeton, ME on July 25, 2018. Don was born in Springfield, MO on December 15, 1942, son of Donald C. Smith and Hazelle Marie (Mang) Smith.

He was a graduate of Hot Springs, AR High School. Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961 where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Expert Rifle Badge, Secret Service Clearance – two years on nuclear weapons loading team and an Honorable Discharge. He felt privileged to be aboard the USS Kearsarge (CV33) in August, 1962 as part of Project Mercury in the recovery of Astronaut Walter Schirra after splashdown in the Pacific.

Don graduated from Henderson State University, AR with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He worked as District Manager in several technical services fields, accumulating numerous certificates of accomplishment. He went on to use his expert experience and knowledge as an instructor with William R. Moore College of Technology in Memphis, TN, where he led the school in developing programs and achieving consistent accreditation. He advanced to become the College Director, CAO, President and President Emeritus. Don retired in 2015 and was serving on the Board of Directors. Don was a dedicated member of Central Church in Collierville, TN where he was involved in evangelism, counseling of new members and teaching an adult Bible class for several years. There he met and married his wife, Brenda Wheaton-Smith, and together they have enjoyed 25 years of sharing life with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his beloved brother Richard Hynson of Georgia; and sister Donna Sue Sheen of California.

Don will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Brenda Wheaton-Smith; his two sons, Ray Smith and wife Marcie and granddaughter EllieAnn of FL, and Roy Smith and granddaughter Ambrus Presley and her husband John, great-grandchildren Henry and Hank Presley of Branson, MO; his step-children, Lance Cole and wife Crystal and their children, Samantha of CO, and Josh and Kili of VA, Glenn Cole and wife Lori and their children Weston Cole and wife Kaylyn, Jacob Cole and Anna Cole of TN and MS, and Catherine Cole and her children Alexandra Starnes and husband Brandon, and Christian and Cameron Woodson of TN; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gene and Carole Fitzpatrick, Kenneth and Linda Wheaton, and Stanley Wheaton.

Burial will be held at a later date in the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Germantown, TN. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.

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