David Clark Smith

David Clark Smith, age 90, of McDowell, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Brookdale Staunton.

David entered this world on December 5, 1933, in Wytheville, a son of hard-working parents, Robert Franklin and Mable Ann (Spurlock) Smith and the eldest of three sons. David grew up on a farm in Maryland. He graduated from Damascus High School and enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he achieved the rank of second Lieutenant and commanded a Nike missile site located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

David and his loving wife, Shirley began the family building business in 1957 and continued until his retirement in 1982, turning the business over to his son Gary. David developed land and built over 1500 homes during his career. David was very active in the building community, serving as President of the Frederick County Builders Association, The Suburban Maryland Home Builders Association and The Maryland Builders Association. At the pinnacle of his career, David was elected as President of the National Association of Home Builders and was inducted into the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1992. David was recognized for his dedication to the nation’s homebuilding industry and his desire for all people to have access to a quality, affordable home.

Throughout his career, he met with multiple United States Presidents including President Ford, President Carter, President Reagan, and President Bush. President Bush appointed David to serve on the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Atlanta. David served in that capacity for several years.

David was a private pilot and owned and flew several single engine aircraft over his forty years of flying. David earned multiple flight ratings throughout his career and flew regularly between his home in Maryland and his farms in Virginia. A Freemason, David was an avid member of Highland Masonic Lodge #110 and achieved the rank of 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason.

Following his retirement, David moved to Virginia to manage and care for his farm. After relocating to Virginia, David was instrumental in the founding and development of the Highland Medical Center located in Monterey, Virginia which continues to provide much needed medical services to rural communities. 

Following the death of his first wife, Shirley, David met and married his loving and dedicated wife Margaret in 2001. David and Margaret explored the country extensively in their mobile home, traveling as far as Alaska.

David had a tremendous love for the outdoors, wildlife, and for the betterment of his fellow man. He traveled to all fifty states and throughout Europe. David has passed on his love for aviation, the outdoors, conservation, and conservative minded principles to many members of his family. 

David will be remembered fondly for his tremendous work ethic and tenacity to start the next project, no matter how big or small.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ann (Beall) Smith; son, Larry Clark Smith; brothers, Robert and Donald Smith; and step-grandson, Chris Campbell.

Surviving family members include his wife, Margaret Smith of McDowell; a son, Gary Lee Smith and wife, Melody of Monrovia, MD; daughter-in-law, Laura Smith of Berkeley Springs, WV; grandchildren, Danelle Smith, Kevin Smith and wife, Beth, Steven Smith and wife, Casey, Gary Lee Smith Jr. and wife, Christina, and David Brett Smith; great-grandchildren, Emaleigh, Waylon, Sadie, Sawyer, Georgia, Karolina, Indyanna, Gary Lee III and Hannah Smith; step-daughters, Cheryl Halterman of Staunton and Billie Jo Simmons and husband, Michael Moats of Churchville; step-grandchildren, Parker Halterman, and Megan Dove and husband, Matthew; as well as step-great-grandson, Wyatt Dove.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with pastors, Jeff Fike and Alan Beall officiating and Masonic funeral rites performed by Highland Masonic Lodge #110. Interment will follow in Monterey Cemetery. 

Active pallbearers will be Lee, Kevin, Steven and Gary III Smith, Robin Vance and Sonny Varner.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Smith and Parker Halterman.

The family will receive friends, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, December 4 at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Legacy Hospice and Brookdale Staunton for the exceptional care David received.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hiner Church of the Brethren, c/o Sonny Varner, 6527 Highland Turnpike, McDowell, Va. 24458; Monterey Cemetery, c/o Nancy Sweitzer, 228 Triple Oak Lane, Hot Springs, Va. 24445; or to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.