Dan was such a wonderful man, always full of joy and kindness. Every summer, we looked forward to spending a week visiting Uncle Dan, Aunt Marilyn, Laura, and Monica. Those memories are the highlights of my childhood. Dan always made time to play games with us, teach us how to solve intricate puzzles, and chat with us about our interests. His curiosity about the world and others was genuine and truly inspiring. He was loved by those lucky to know him and will be missed.

Condolences to Dan’s family and friends. I will truly miss my friend, mentor and golf partner. He was a man of great integrity, high morals,  a sense of humor and good listener. He always challenged me to do better. I will always remember my check list! Prayers, peace and comfort to all.

Dan was a kind and caring uncle with a good sense of humor.  He was always up for a game of any sorts.  I have fond memories of our chats and banter over the many card games we played at family gatherings throughout the years.  He lived a good life and will be missed.  My prayers and condolences to Marilyn, Laura, and Monica and the rest of the family.  

                                        -Tim and Kim Mahler

I first met Dan in 1994 at a project we were both working. I quickly noticed that Dan never met a stranger. He and Marilyn were part of our WINGS (Wednesday  Iguana Night Group). Together, we all had great times and formed a tight bond. 
Dan, my friend, it is forever ‘Burger Tuesday ‘. Until then, may fair winds guide your journey.

Dan was a wonderful brother-in-law. I was 10 or 11 years old when Marilyn brought Dan to meet our family. He was always interested in what I was doing and most gracious. He was the same with Beth's and my children when they were young. I cherish the memories of visiting Dan and Marilyn for Thanksgiving and the great times we had there. One of the happiest memories Beth and I have was seeing Dan and Marilyn dance at our wedding! Every time he visited our parents, he would fix something in the house and of course beat me in whatever card game we played. Marilyn, Laura, Jon, Monica and Jim, I pray for you daily that God provides you comfort with happy memories of your husband and father. Chris Mahler

Dan was our beloved Brother-in-law.  We will miss his generous, cheerful, accepting and gracious ways.  He was always ready to lend a hand to help all members of our family with his skills and talents.  He is especially  revered for his assistance,  helping Marilyn care for our Mother in their home during  COVID, the last full year of her life.

We  were blessed to have Him in our family,  
Jane & Frank Duffy

Dan was very much loved within our family. My brother Paul and I always got together with Dan when he and Marilyn visited Columbus, many times at the book store followed by lunch in German Village. Always good at problem solving, Dan was always performing house and car repairs for our parents and others within the family. He took exceptional care of our parents in overseas travel and later at their final stages in life.  He will missed and remain in our memories for his love and generosity to us. May he now rest in peace in God’s hand.      

Love Joe and Diana

To Dan's family:  We are so sorry for your loss.  Dan was a charter member of the Holly Springs Retired Men's Club (HSRMC).  He was such a great guy to be around.  I especially miss his participation in our monthly card nights.  He had a special way to flip cards out to all of the players 'round the table when he was the dealer.  He was quite knowledgeable in when he had a hand that had a chance at winning or when it was better just to fold and wait for some better cards.  I'm certain those of us in our Club who had opportunities to join Dan in our various activities will be very saddened by this news.  Again our condolences on your loss.

Members, Holly Springs Retired Men's Club

Dan was our friend and brother in law for over 50 years.  He was kind, perceptive, had a great sense of humor - and he was very good at chess!

Dan never failed to greet us cheerfully, even while battling the effects of this horrible disease that ultimately took his life.  He always showed genuine interest in our family, traveling countless times to Ohio to be with us all for family events and to help care for aging parents, and he spent many hours helping Marilyn to care for our mother in their home in the last years of her centenarian life.

His daughters, Laura and Monica, are a testament to his and Marilyn’s wonderful parenting. We miss him.  May he rest in a well-earned eternal peace.

We love you, Dan!  -  Paul & Sue

Dear Marilyn, Laura and Monica and your husbands and dear children.  Thank you for being such wonderful loving supports for Dan in his last 2 years.

I will miss those dazzling puns, delightful grins and his many phone calls just to check up on us. 
My prayers for your healing will continue .

Dan's wife and family were everything to him.  I am happy for the life he was blessed to have with each and every one of you.

I have so many memories of good times together, both in our youth and adult years.  They bring smiles to my face, and assurance Dan will always be with me.

Hoping you are finding strength in the days ahead, and hope your memories will comfort you also.

Love,

Nancy

My husband, John, occasionally played golf with Dan.  I played Bridge with him at the Holly Springs Library on Wednesdays for 6 years.  Not only was he a brilliant Bridge player but also one of the kindest gentleman I've ever met.  My sincerest condolences to all of the family.  He was one proud father and grandfather.

Karen and I are saddened to learn of our friend’s and fellow WINGS member’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Marilyn and all the rest of his family. 
Godspeed my friend. We will meet again.

OBITUARY

Daniel Martin Smith Jr.

August 31, 1945 – May 23, 2024

Apex Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services