Donald T. "Don" Smith

Mr. Donald T. "Don" Smith, age 77, of Dahlonega, GA died Friday, March 2, 2012.

Don grew up in Rochester, New Hampshire. He served in the United States Navy as a training devices specialist. In 1960, he graduated with honors in mechanical design from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. He joined AT&T's Bell Laboratories in 1960 and spent his entire career there. Don held seven patents for wire connecting devices and tools. For more than 50 years he handcrafted fine folk instruments and furniture. He was also an accomplished musician. He held a leadership role as a board member of Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music and the Wiggins Group of Dahlonega. He was active in promoting folk music and enjoyed traditional music gatherings.

Don was the son of the late Eben Smith and Eleanor Tolman Smith. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Leata Smith, Dahlonega, GA; daughters and son-in-law, Lynn Marie Smith, Norcross, GA, Sonia and Charles Henshaw, Woodstock, GA, Heather Ann Smith, Dawsonville, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Anne Smith, Center Strafford, NH; grandchildren, Justin Roberts and Kyle Henshaw. A number of other relatives also survive.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 AM Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Banister Funeral Home Chapel.

Rev. Jeff Ross and Doug Allison will officiate.

Inurnment of the cremains will follow at 2:30 PM at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega on Thursday immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer's Care of Commerce, 200 Bolton Drive, Commerce, GA 30529.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.