Donald Eugene Smith

The Huntsville community sadly lost a great man, husband, and father on March 14, 2024, when Donald Eugene passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side. 

Born on January 12, 1938, in Gurley, Alabama, Don was the second of four sons born to Emery Earnest Smith and Cleo Bell Bearden Smith. Due to his father’s ministry, Don spent most of his childhood traveling extensively throughout the southeast portions of the United States. As an adult, his work led him to Tennessee, South Carolina, and ultimately back home to Alabama, where he dedicated over 50 years to developing state-of-the-art equipment, precision structures, and tools for the aerospace and US Defense industry, specifically at Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Al. After retirement, Don enjoyed visiting with his family and close friends, cruising with his wife, Deanna, politics, studying the stock market, and enjoying his community. 

Don is survived by his wife, Deanna Fowler Smith; two children, Julia Ann Smith and Donald Errol Smith; two stepchildren, Jonas K. Fowler Jr. (Sandy) and Dana Fowler May (Danny); one grandchild, Petty Officer Kevin May (Rachel); and brother, Emery Ernest Smith Jr. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Emery and Cleo Smith, his first wife, Joyce Alderson Smith, and brothers, Kenneth and Dale Smith. 

Don’s love, intellect, sense of humor, and spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone he met. A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, 203 Maple Hill Street, Huntsville, Alabama, on March 19, 2024 at 1:30 PM.

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