Daniel Gobe Smith, 75, of Soddy-Daisy, TN passed away January 15, 2022.
Daniel Smith, was born to Gobe Smith III and Edith Aaron in Walterboro South Carolina on November 14, 1946. The son of a football coach, he was extremely athletic during his youth, played football in high school, and trained in Taekwondo to achieve a second degree blackbelt in that martial art. He had many well-known friends in the martial arts community, and taught for several years.
In the late 1960’s, Daniel joined the United States Army and trained as a Recon Ranger, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant and served on the DeMilitarized Zone in Korea, protecting the south from invasion and infiltration. Daniel was aware of the fact the American forces stationed at the DMZ were meant to serve as a delaying force, which would have been wiped out within the first 30 minutes of a committed North Korean invasion. He faced this reality with courage and resolve.
During his military career Daniel served in an exemplary manner and performed several very brave acts, including exploratory missions, setting ambushes, and other heroic acts of great risk. His attitude was extremely focused on the welfare of the soldiers under his command, including at times aggressively stating their needs to his commanders. Daniel received an Honorable discharge at the end of his tours.
After his discharge, Daniel worked in a wide range of areas in the civilian business sector, and was a dedicated employee. Daniel’s Christian faith was very deep and strong, and his determination to adhere to the doctrines of his faith was absolute.
Daniel married Robin Lynn Holt, and they enjoyed a strongly loving marriage for 25 years. During the final 7 years of their marriage, Robin developed senile dementia, and Daniel took care of her until her death with love, compassion and unswerving loyalty. When Robin passed away on November 8, 2020, Daniel was devastated, and tried to go on, but he was never quite the same. He looked forward daily to rejoining his beloved wife in heaven.
Daniel passed away on January 15, 2022 from cancer and septic shock, but accepted his passing with courage and assurance, and gratitude for a life blessed and fully lived.
He is survived by his stepdaughter, Niki, stepson, Jeffery, granddaughters, Elizabeth, Natalie, Megan, and Hattie and his brother, Mark.
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