Donald Gordon Smith

Early January 24, 2024 Donald Gordon Smith, 81, of Sunset Beach, North Carolina passed away after a brief illness. Born January 29, 1942, Mr. Smith graduated from Altoona (PA) Catholic High School in 1959. He earned a Bachelor’s in History from California University of Pennsylvania in 1964 and a Master of Arts, Liberal Studies in 1998 from North Carolina State University. He served proudly in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In recent years, he enrolled in online courses to enrich a lifetime of learning.

A 38-year employee of RTI International, Mr. Smith traveled extensively in the US and around the world. An expert in the administration of large surveys, his work led to important research in fields such as global tobacco use, the spread of HIV and veterans’ mental health.

Mr. Smith was a lifelong sports fan and athlete. He adopted the North Carolina State Wolfpack when he moved his family from Pittsburgh to Raleigh in 1971 and remained a steadfast fan.

Since 2008, he and his wife of 58 years, Lois Jeanne Smith (nee Madigan), belonged to St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC. They enjoyed travel, volunteering with hospice and Meals on Wheels and spending and time with friends and family. During baseball season, Mr. Smith never missed a Baltimore Orioles radio broadcast.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mrs. Smith, son Patrick J. Smith and wife Deborah Shaller of Baltimore, MD; daughter Kelly E. Smith of Raleigh, NC; grandsons Luke and Eli Tilly; brother David Smith and wife Josephine; sister Nancy E. Quarry. Mr. Smith was predeceased by his parents Robert Z. Smith and Madeline A. Smith (nee Plunket) and brother-in-law Philip Quarry.

A funeral mass is scheduled for February 9, 2024 at 10 o'clock in the morning at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC.