David Thomas Smith

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David "Dave" Smith, a devoted husband, father, mentor, loyal friend, and lifelong sports enthusiast, on Sunday, May 10, 2026—Mother’s Day—at his home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, at the age of 70. He was born on July 15, 1955 in Spokane, Washington.

He was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who knew this wonderful man...whose presence brought warmth, humor, and steady strength to everyone who knew him.

Moving to Anchorage, Alaska with his family when he was 6 years old. Dave spent the next 54 years in Anchorage, where he built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. Of proud Scottish and Italian heritage, Dave carried a deep appreciation for tradition, family, and resilience—qualities that were evident throughout his life. As a child, he spent summers panning for gold in Hope with his family, later enjoying fishing in Seward's Salmon Derby and taking part in the traditions of Fur Rondy.

Outside of work, Dave was happiest cheering on his favorite teams. He was a passionate and life-long fan of the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Dodgers, rarely missing a game and always ready to talk sports with family and friends. He also loved the excitement of NASCAR Cup Series, spending countless weekends enjoying the thrill of the races.

He had a deep interest in current events and politics and enjoyed staying informed on local, national, and world current events.

Dave was married to his first wife, Kathy “KD”, with whom he shared a son, Dusty in 1982. Family vacations created lasting memories with trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Disney Land.

He began his career working in his parents’ autobody shop before entering the cable industry in 1978 with Visions. Through decades of change in the 1980s—including transitions with MultiVisions, Sonic Cable, and Prime Cable—Dave remained a steady and dedicated presence. In the 1990s, GCI took over cable operations in Alaska, where Dave continued to grow in his career, ultimately serving as a respected project manager. Over 38 years, he earned the admiration of colleagues where he built lasting friendships and earned respect through his hard work, mentorship, reliability, leadership and generous spirit before retiring.

Following retirement, Dave moved from Anchorage, Alaska, to Jefferson City, Tennessee in 2016, with his beloved wife, Pam. There, he embraced life fully-exploring historical sites, traveling locally and "across the pond" to Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland, and Iceland, too. He also enjoyed time in Hilton Head, South Carolina; Panama City Beach and Miramar Beach, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dave found joy in the simple pleasures: relaxing by the pool, caring for his yard, hiking, but also staying active in bowling leagues and line dance classes with Pam. He always appreciated live music, and musicianship, attending concerts & gigs. He was a strategic card player and enjoyed a round of billiards! He loved showing others around as a tour-guide, taking pride in the place he called home.

More than anything, Dave will be remembered for his quiet and steady presence, love of family, his loyal heart, generous spirit and the way way he made others feel—whether as a husband, father, colleague, or friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester “Chet” Butch Smith and Rose (Talarico) Smith; his sister, Cheryl Garner (Burns); and his first wife, Kathyrn Diane “KD” Smith (Lamasko).

He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Ann Smith; his son, Dustin David Smith (Rose); his brother, Steve Smith (Christy LeBlond); his brother-in-law, Jim Garner; his parents-in-law, Charles “Pat”rick and Nelda Geraldine “Jerri” McManis; his sister-in-law, Cynthia Lynn Boyd (Kevin); his brother-in-law, Charles Adam McManis (Velma); and his sister-in-law, Susan Lamasko. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews located in Alaska, California, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, New York, and Tennessee, along with many dear friends in Alaska, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Virginia. His loyal dog, Charlie, was a true blessing and a beautiful source of comfort during his final days.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Farrar Funeral Home, 411 West Broadway Blvd, Jefferson City, TN with a funeral service to follow. A graveside service will immediately follow at Hill’s Union Church Cemetery, 2483 Hills Chapel Rd, Dandridge, TN where he will be laid to rest, with a lovely mountain view, after a life he lived with a heart of gold.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s honor to the charity of your choice, or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in support of finding a cure for this devastating disease. Dave passed quickly due to cardiac arrest following complications from late-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), diagnosed in 2023.

“Some people leave behind trophies and titles. Others leave behind love, good times, and a lifetime of memories. Dave left all three.”