Donald Ray Smith

Donald enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and reported for duty on May 1944 after graduating High School. He served aboard the LST 820 in the Pacific. His ship and crew were an integral part of the WWII Peace Treaty with Japan in August 1945. He served until his honorable discharge as Petty Officer 2nd Class in May 1946.

Shortly after his discharge from the Navy, he moved to Louisville, KY where he played baseball and attended college. In 1948 he met the love of his life Joan Cain and they were married on November 12, 1949 and moved to Ft Wayne, IN to begin their life together. Theirs was a true love story that endured over 70 years until Joan's passing in April 2019.

Don moved his family to Clearwater, FL in 1969 and has called Pinellas County home ever since. He was an Engineer with IBM from 1952 until his retirement in 1995. He was a true fan of his beloved Rays, and attended games at every chance. Win or lose, he stuck by his home team. Our family was truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

He will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him for his kindness, generosity and compassion. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan, and his mother, father and sister.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandra and Janet; grandchildren Danielle and Jeremy; great grandchildren, Kinsley and Cameron, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank the Green Team of Suncoast Hospice for their many months of loving care and compassion making it possible for Don to live out his days in the home he loved. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don's honor to Florida Suncoast Hospice.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at his home in Lake Tarpon from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 23rd.