David William Smith

David William Smith, age 70 of Knoxville, was welcomed home to Heaven on July 27, 2026. David was born in Maysville, Kentucky, raised in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and eventually settled in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Gatlinburg Pittman High School, attended the University of Tennessee and Ringling School of Art and design where he completed a graphic arts degree. He worked in various advertising firms throughout his career and co-founded Shell, Smith and Associates. He worked for Covenant Health for 40 years and retired as Creative Director of Graphic Services. David was raised in the Presbyterian church alongside his father who served as a pastor. He was a member at Fountain City Presbyterian Church where he was a deacon, volunteered at the Ministry Center and Family Promise among other activities. He also took multiple mission trips to Belize and supported his fellow members on other missions. David was a very talented artist who enjoyed working with various types of media. Most known for his woodworking and painting, he showed his whimsical side through his creative use of materials and color. David was a former member of the Fountain City Art Center and showed his work in both juried and non-juried events across the southeast including the Emporium Center, and Artisan Woodworking. An avid fisherman and camper; a retirement goal was to camp in as many state parks as possible.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Dr. William O. Smith; Mother Mary Beverly Gillenwaters Smith; sister, Susan McCarter; and brothers-in-law, Pat Reedy and Tim Butler.

Surviving family members include; his beloved wife Bess Ann Reedy Smith; daughter, Beverly Smith Lillie (Alex); Grandson, Gwyer Alexander Smith Lillie all of Warner Robins, Georgia; sister Barbara Williamson (Rodney) of Cosby; sisters-in-law, Linda Colvin, Dawn Butler; nephews and nieces, Dr. Martin Williamson, Andy Williamson, Sara Myers, Seth (Codi) Myers, Jennifer Colvin, Reed Colvin, Lee Colvin (Meredith), Katie Ludwig, and Ben Butler (Lacci). Much appreciation to the many friends and loved ones and the members of Fountain City Presbyterian Church for the abundance of prayers. 

An Inurnment for David will be on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Fountain City Presbyterian Church (500 Hotel Road, Knoxville, TN 37918) Saturday afternoon from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. A Memorial Service will immediately follow with Pastor Janna Preston officiating.