David Lewis Smith

David Lewis Smith, also known as David or Lewis, 81, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, 25 January 2025, after complications from a recent hospitalization.

Lewis was born on the 25th of February 1943 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Paul Austin and Laura Lewis Smith. Moving to Galax, Virginia, at an early age he attended Galax City schools. After graduating from Galax High School in 1961, he began his college studies in pre-pharmacy at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina before transferring to University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1965. After earning a Master’s degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, Lewis ultimately earned his Doctoral degree in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee in 1972.

Upon completion of his doctorate, he began his distinguished tenured teaching career at the University of West Georgia in Carrolton, Georgia. For the next 28 years, Lewis would go on to positively influence and shape the minds and perspectives of countless students in the field of Sociology and Criminal Justice while serving at numerous distinguished colleges and universities including Emory University and Virginia Tech.

In 1961, Lewis met Nora at Lees-McRae College. They were married in 1964 and have two children, Stephanie Hager (Spouse Brian), and Stephen Smith (Spouse Arin).

In July 2002, Lewis retired from Georgia Southwestern State University and went on to spend the next 23 years enjoying traveling, playing golf, riding motorcycles, taking care of his Koi fish, investing his time and energy amongst varying Alcoholics Anonymous organizations, and always in pursuit of the ideal fishing spot.

Preceded in death by his mother Laura Smith, his father Paul Smith, and his brother Joel Austin Smith; he is survived by his lovely bride of 60 years, Nora, their daughter Stephanie, their son Stephen, and their four grandchildren: Morgan Hager, JT Hager, Ian Smith, Delaney Smith, and his sister Martha Cox (Spouse Charles).

A celebration of life will be held at a time and location yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Georgia Retired Educators Association or your local humane society, organizations that Lewis felt strongly about.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Rd., Gainesville, Ga. 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com