David Chester Smith

David Chester Smith, 72, of Chester, Virginia, died of cancer on April 22, 2025. He faced his illness and death with courage and was lovingly cared for at home by his wife of 41 years, Linda.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Chester Garland Smith and Eleanor Ornberg Smith; and his nephews, Matthew David Smith and Seth Charles Hulbert. He is survived by his wife, Linda Adkins Smith; children, Jamie and Noah; his sister, Cathy Smith Poythress and brother-in-law, Jeff Poythress; and his brother, Gary Smith and sister-in-law, Beverly Smith; and nephews, Michael, Zachary, and Christian.

Born on March 26, 1953, in Mullens, West Virginia, Dave spent his early years in the hills of southwestern Virginia, stealing dolls along with his younger brother, Gary, from their older sister, Cathy, and relocating them to mud puddles.

He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the mid-1970's to study engineering. Although he did not receive a degree, he fondly remembered the friends he made and the adventures they had, traveling and going to concerts.

Dave was recently recognized with an award for 45 years of service at UPACO Adhesives, where he worked his way up to Plant Manager. He designed and maintained much of the factory's equipment himself, and enjoyed solving problems and optimizing.

Marrying Linda in 1984 changed the trajectory of his life, and they settled in Chesterfield, Virginia, where they first welcomed daughter Jamie, and later son, Noah. Dave's first priority was always his family, traveling for family beach vacations in the summer, playing golf with his dad, Chester, and attending the annual Smith family reunion for over 35 years.

An avid enjoyer of all things entertainment, Dave could talk your ear off about movies, TV shows, and actors, and he especially loved Star Trek. He loved to read and fall asleep watching golf tournaments on television, only to wake up and say "I was watching that!" when anyone tried to change the channel.

Dave will be always be remembered for his self-deprecating sense of humor, his meticulous way of living, and his constant loyal support of his family. He had a tendency to see the best in people, and the intelligence and curiosity to learn about anything and everything. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home at 3050 W. Hundred Rd. in Chester, Virginia, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2:00 in the afternoon, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a small donation be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.