Donald L. “Donnie” Smith

Mr. Donald “Donnie” L. Smith, 75, of Gainesville passed away on Monday, April 3rd, 2023 unexpectedly while with his wife, Nicy, gardening on a beautiful spring day.

Born in Gainesville, Georgia, he was the son of Floyd and Elizabeth “Lib” Gailey Smith. Donnie graduated from Gainesville High School and attended North Georgia College and graduated from Georgia Southwestern College. His friends from his youth will remember him as a mischievous, rambunctious member of the Central Baptist Youth Group and community baseball team. He built a career in automobile sales at several dealerships in South Carolina and Georgia. He enjoyed his retirement, and spent much of his time gardening, golfing, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. He most loved hosting family and friends to grill great cuts of meat and all the veggies from their garden. 

Donnie was a talented bass player and had a deep love for bluegrass and gospel music. A lifelong Braves fan, Donnie enjoyed attending games with his sons. He was also a strong college football fan following the Bulldogs, Tigers, and wherever cousin Chan Gailey was coaching.

He built a happy and fulfilling life with his wife, Nicy Davidson surrounded by their shared love of gardening, raising chickens, and their dogs, Scooter and Freddie. 

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Virginia “Ginger” Smith Reedy, and his dear cousin Gerald Gailey. 

He is survived by his love, Nicy Davidson; his children, Courtenay Wishousky, Spencer and Nila Smith, and Scott Smith; grandson Jake Wishousky, sister and brother-in-law Kathryn “Kathy” and John Tiley; Kelli and Rusty Herrington and their 5 children; dear cousin Myra Book and numerous nieces, nephews, Devon Brannon, extended family and friends. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 6pm on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. Reverend Whit Martin will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 pm until the funeral hour at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to Eagle Ranch, 5500 Union Church Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, www.eagleranch.org or to J’s Place, 664 Lanier Park Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501 www.jsplacerecovery.org

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

            For viewing on livestream www.facebook.com/MemRiversideNorth