King David Smith, affectionately known as Chief, KD, Smitty, Dave, David, Uncle and Pop, was born May 3, 1937, in Perry, Florida to the late Rev. William N. Smith and Sarah Smith. In 1944, the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended school and church, accepting Christ at an early age. Chief often recalled hearing his father recite sermons in his sleep, sparking his lifelong love for learning and sharing the gospel.
At seventeen, Chief joined the United States Navy, proudly serving 21 years before retiring in 1975 as a Chief Hull Technician. He served honorably during the Korean and Vietnam wars and often shared stories of resilience, courage, and perseverance through racial discrimination. Following retirement, he worked as a maintenance man and supervisor for several San Diego apartment complexes.
A gifted craftsman, Chief loved working with his hands. He founded D.B. & Sons, specializing in furniture and car upholstery, and completed countless projects including building boats, remodeling homes, and leather crafting. He was also an avid gardener who joyfully shared the harvest from his garden and fruit trees.
Chief lived adventurously, traveling extensively in his RVs, camping, fishing in Arizona,
sightseeing, “supervising,” “smittyriggin,” and exploring San Diego in his electric wheelchair—often against his daughter’s wishes. In his younger years, he proudly rode his Gold Wing motorcycle, “Blue Pride,” and was an active member of the Gold Wing Touring Association.
A devoted man of God, Chief served as a deacon at The Mount Church under Rev. I.D. Williams. Faithful in prayer, he continued kneeling in reverence even in his later years. He loved Sunday school, Bible study, and gospel music.
On November 27, 2025, after a joyful Thanksgiving spent with loved ones, Chief blessed the food and prayed one final prayer before being peacefully called home. He leaves a legacy of love, faith, leadership, creativity, resilience, and faithful service.
Chief was preceded in death by his parents, wife Brenda J. Smith, siblings; Juanita Smith, Willie Smith, and Willie Mae Brown, step-sons; Adam and James Wells, and dear friends.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter Brittney J. Smith, son Brandon T. Lilly (Stacy), Godson Gregory E. Simmons (Yvette), sister Manettii Leona Brown, grandchildren, God-grandchildren, extended family, his pastor and first lady, soul brothers, and a host of friends.