Daniel J. Smith, 94, of Southern Shores, died on July 8, 2023. Dan was born November 1, 1928, to Edward H. and Lorraine H. Smith in New Cumberland, PA. He graduated from Hamilton High School in Mercer County, NJ in 1946 and, courtesy of WWII, made the customary transition to the Army. Dan trained to be a soldier at Fort Dix and to be a radio operator at Fort Monmouth, NJ. He was stationed at Two Rock Ranch Station, Petaluma, CA.
After his discharge in August 1949, Dan traveled to Greensboro, NC, where he enrolled in Guilford College on the GI Bill. During the Christmas break, on December 17, 1949, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Joyce E. Sexton of Mercerville, NJ. The couple honeymooned in Florida then returned to Greensboro where Dan resumed his studies. Three semesters and a son later, the family transferred to Penn State University where, in 1953, Dan earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
Dan accepted a position with RCA and the family moved to Marion, IN. One daughter, one move, another daughter, three more moves—one to Liege, Belgium–and 32 years later, Dan took early retirement from RCA. Dan and Joyce moved one last time to Southern Shores, NC, a favorite spot since their first visit in 1969.
In “retirement,” Dan worked as a real estate broker and salesman, and a building inspector for the town of Southern Shores. While his time on the Outer Banks lasted, Dan volunteered and built several homes with Habitat for Humanity. Dan was also an active member of the Duck Woods Country Club chairing several committees and holding office as Board Member, Vice President, and, eventually, President. Dan also played golf – lots of golf; and was proudly a founding member of the “Funsters.”
Dan is survived by his wife, Joyce; his son, Dr. Dale Bryansmith, (Louise) of Rydal, PA; his daughter, Debra Melvin (Mark) of Larkspur, CA,; his daughter, Jennifer Smith (Robert Thompson) of College Park, MD; and grandchildren, Craig, Reid, Aubrey and Daniel. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Phyllis Wright and Wanda Grant.
A memorial service celebrating Dan’s life is pending and will be announced when finalized. Please no flowers; the family wishes that anyone wishing to honor Dan’s memory please make a contribution to the charity of the giver’s choice. Please share condolences with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
