Don Michael Smith

Don Michael Smith departed this life early Wednesday morning, July 7, 2021 in Suffolk, Virginia. He was born to Mary Ellen Smith McNeil and Dewey Bullock in Tarboro, North Carolina on December 22, 1944. Don was the brother to Timothy Smith, Paula Herring, Dennis Bullock, Denise Robertson, Daphne Meikle, Darlene Cabarrus. Don has four surviving children: Tina Robinson (late husband, Warren), Michael Armstrong (Dena), Dannon Smith (Martina), and Don-Michael Smith. He graduated from W. A. Pattillo High School in 1963 and went to Fayetteville State University on an athletic scholarship, where he played both basketball and baseball. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War in the 82nd Airborne. Upon leaving the military, he finished his undergraduate degree before enrolling at Hampton University for a Masters in Education (Class of 1976). Don pledged Omega Psi Phi and was an active member of the Les Hommes Club of Hampton. Don was a lifelong lover of swimming, having been the first African American to be a certified lifeguard with the American Red Cross of North Carolina. Don began work at Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Hampton in 1972, serving in multiple roles: dorm counselor, football and basketball coach, teacher, principal, and bus driver. It was here where he met the love of his life, Nan G. Mills-Smith who preceded him in death. He also made lifelong friendships with Marion Mills-Perry and the Pearsons. Among Don’s hobbies were fishing on his boat, playing cards—especially Poker and Casino. He was an avid athlete and was inducted into the hall of fame at Fayetteville State University for basketball and baseball. Don’s favorite music was Country and Western and he often could be found watching Westerns in his “mancave” for hours on end. Don spent many hours hunting, coaching, or shopping for his loved ones at his favorite department store, Belk. Don was a man of strong and unwavering faith and led by an example of honesty and integrity. His family was his highest priority next to God, and he enjoyed intimate celebrations with them for all occasions. He is survived by six grandchildren: Daryn, Devin, Dylan, Dani, Bianca, and Gabrielle. Don will be missed dearly and his memory will be cherished forever. Rest in peace beloved son, brother, father, uncle, mentor and friend. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Va 23666. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 PM, Sunday, July 18, at Parklawn Memorial Park's Chapel Mausoleum with entombment to follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to W. A. Pattillo High School National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 601, Tarboro, NC 27886. Friends are encouraged to visit parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.