Damon Prince Smith

May 16, 1969 – August 30, 2021

Wesley Chapel, Florida 33543

A Celebration Visitation for Mr. Damon Prince Smith of Wesley Chapel, Florida who passed away August 30, 2021, will be held on Friday, September 10th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, at

Gonzalez Funeral Home

7209 North Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, Florida 33614

(813) 931-1833

Damon “Duche,” Prince Smith was born on May 16, 1969, in New York City. He grew up in Bronx River Houses, where he was raised by his grandmother, Lucille Smith. Damon was a proud New Yorker. Damon moved from New York and made Tampa, Florida his permanent residence. In 1995 on May 26th Damon married Miss Carla Williams, who he knew would be his wife from the first time he met her. Damon loved spending time with his family. He was a “Gentle Giant,” of a man who was always very friendly and super passionate about others.

Damon was a member of Olive Leaf Christian Center for 26 years, he Loved The Word, Jesus Christ. During his membership, he was married to Miss Carla Williams on the day of May 26, 1995, in honor his sister “Moochie’s” Life. He was baptized, preached the gospel for pastor at different times and was lovingly called “minister Damon, and Jokey-Jokey,” by the youths, and children, because he was always making jokes, laughing and playing with them. Before the Smith’s had their own two sons, Damon Jaden and Tyler Josiah, for a time, he was the youth minister at the church. He was a natural with the children, he was just right and what they all needed for climbing on like a jungle gym. If at first, a child wasn’t sure about him, it wouldn’t be long before he had won their heart. Children and Youths alike love Damon. One of the youths now a grown man commented that Damon always gave the best hugs, they were real. Damon Prince Smith was always there when you needed him. Damon was loved by his church, and he loved his church also.

Damon was in the employ of Champion’s Furniture Store for approximately 3 years and then Badcock Furniture Stores for 21 years. He occupied a range of positions in Florida and travelled nationally as a leader in Corporate Development. He Managed multiple locations, winning many awards over the years. He was a hard worker knowing how to work a store and how to get that store working.

Damon was well known and acted as the anchor for his immediate family as well as each of his family members and social circles. He stayed in consistent and daily contact with all his loved ones.

Damon is a standing member and team captain of “Autism Speaks,” and participated in their yearly walks as well as donating to their cause. He took the lead recruiting his church family, and many others too. His son Tyler Josiah is on “The Autism Spectrum.”

Damon has a loving family and was preceded in death by his father, Retired Marine Edward Joseph Prince, Daynette Prince, Edward R. Prince, Dwayne Prince, his grandmother, Lucille Smith, his aunts, Barbara Smith, Deborah Smith, and Marie (Prince) Thompson, his uncle David Smith, his cousins, Rodney and Tyrone “Cantrell” Boston.

Damon is survived by his loving wife Carla Williams Smith, his children, Quintin “Daine” Brown, Damon Jaden Smith, Tyler Josiah Smith, and his grandchildren, his mother Delores J. Smith, his siblings, Chancellor Minus, Micheal Harris, and Quanisha (Smith) Green, his aunts Beverly Smith. Charmaine (Soborah) Karamoko, his uncle Donald Prince and Gregory Smith, his cousins, Marlon “Fielding” Sampson, Barbara K. Smith, Qasim Simmons, his close cousins Pam Tinney, Courtney Sales, William Rodriguez, Nyasia Martinez, and Princess Prince-McCoade, Kawon Todd, Darius Todd, Dymon Powell, and numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins, and let’s not forget his beloved dog Kobey.

Damon Touched the lives of so many people he will be dearly, sincerely missed.

The Smith family would like to thank all First Responders, Medical Doctors, the Advent Hospital Covid-19 ICU Unit and Hospice Care. You are a top-of-the-line Nursing Staff, Thank You for all that you do.

To all those that spent time praying for Damon Prince Smith, his wife Carla, his sons Quintin “Daine” Brown, Damon Jaden, Tyler Josiah, and each of his family members, Thank you. Your prayers have meant so much to each of us and We Love You, the Prince Smith Family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneral.com for the Smith family.