Smith, Darwin Lee
Darwin (“Ox”) Lee Smith, 82, of White Gate, VA, went to be with the Lord he faithfully served on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski. He was born March 25, 1941 in Maybrook, VA, the son of the late Vilson & Virgie Smith.
Darwin was a devout Christian who recognized he was nothing without his faith in God. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He knew that Jesus Christ was real and lived his life walking in His image.
Darwin proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Darwin worked as a mechanic at the Ford Garage and at Mitchener’s Chevrolet and went on to retire from the Bland Correctional Center.
He never met a stranger, could talk to anyone and never met a person he was not willing to help. He was a story teller, a well known mechanic and a supporter of Giles Spartan Football.
He loved to collect and restore old cars. His favorites that he owned were his ‘57 Ford convertible and his ’58 Ranchero.
He was most proud of his family. He especially loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sports events and competitions when he was able.
Darwin made a huge impact on this Earth. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vilson Marshall & Virgie Ethel Stafford Smith, two special grandmothers, his brothers, Curtis Smith, Harley Smith and Walter Smith, his mother-in-law, whom he loved dearly, Leona Woodyard, and special uncle & aunt, Walter & May Stafford.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of almost 56 years, Mary Kay Woodyard Smith; his son & daughter-in-law, Larry David & Donna Smith; his daughter & favorite son-in-law, Melinda & Richard Fisher; his grandchildren, Noah Fisher, Macy Fisher and Katie Smith; his brothers, Sherman & Virginia Smith and Gerald (“Bear”) Smith; his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Raymond & Inez Woodyard; a special sister-in-law, Francis Smith; and many nieces, nephews and special friends.
Per Darwin’s wishes, there will be no public services. He will be laid to rest at the Southwest Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery.
The Smith family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.
