Obituary: David Glen Smith 1959-2020

 

David Glen Smith of Maricopa passed away July 19 of natural causes at the age of 61.

Services have not yet been determined.

David is survived by his wife Tobi Lee Smith, daughters Jessica Smith, Lindsay Martinez and Rebecca Smith, sons Kyle Norby and Riley Smith, brother Doug Smith and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eudena McDaniel Smith and Garrett Smith, and brothers Garry Smith and John Smith.

Man-myth-legend, David was the best dad, grandpa and husband. He loved coaching baseball and softball, taking naps, watching sports and making sure you knew he was in the room. There will never be another guy like him.

David was born in Inglewood, California, and raised in Oxnard. He moved to Arizona in the 1980s to work in the aerospace industry as an inspector. He was proud of his career and worked hard to provide for his family.

He loved spending time with his five children, Jessica, Lindsay, Kyle, Riley and Rebecca. He coached all three girls through softball … and so many of Maricopa’s kids through Little League and his own club teams.

His love of sports was fanatical, though he would never admit that. Passionate as a coach both on and off the field, he was kicked out of more than a few games. At home, he was just as animated watching ANY game of ANY kind on TV.

He could be quick-tempered but was also quick to apologize and move along. He was genuine, and you always knew where you stood with him. A chatty guy, he was happy to show you how he could write his name backwards in cursive, tell you about his “cat-like reflexes” and display his nunchuk skills.

A collector of many things, David loved his fine china, sports cards and mechanical Santas. He couldn’t’ figure out Facebook but loved to share TikTok videos. He would still get lost driving around Phoenix but could give you Miami Dolphins stats from the ‘70s. He was always ready to share a story and welcome you into his world.

His grandchildren, Madison, Nicholas, Dominic, Audrey, Emilia and Josephine, were the light of his life. His wife Tobi was his biggest fan. His pups, Clem, Lincoln, PeeWee and CJ were his babies.

And we are all trying to figure out how to move forward without him.