Donald Lee Smith, age 65, was born on April 11, 1959 in Shelby, NC.

He was affectionately known as Donnie or Smitty. Donald was the son of the late Columbus and Louise Smith. He peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Atrium Health Cleveland.
Donald graduated from Burns High School in Lawndale, NC in 1977. He was one of the top basketball players at Burns High School in the 70's. Basketball was his passion. He also loved supporting his nieces and nephews by attending their games and sporting events.
After high school Donald joined the United States Army, but due to an injury he returned home. He joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. Donald worked at Doran Mills, Polygram, Eaton and a few other places. He took ill in 2006 and battled with it until his death.
He is preceded in death by his parents Columbus and Louise Smith; four sisters, Joan Pettis, Betty Strong, Brenda K. Montgomery, Lowanda Smith; and brother Terry Smith.
Donald leaves to cherish loving memories two daughters, Y'Keisha Rankin of Shelby, NC, Donesha Holloway (Johnny) of Shelby, NC; son, Brawdus Littlejohn of Kings Mountain, NC. He leaves fond loving memories to 13 grandchildren, Diamonte Hall, Dre' Quan Haynes, Rah'Kala McSwain, Keltin Littlejohn, Diahmond Littlejohn, Donovan Watkins, Kamron Long, Braelyn Littlejohn, Tra' Vion Gaston, Jala Holloway, Lesleigh Littlejohn, Nor'Keria Hopper, and Braxton Littlejohn; two brothers James T. Smith (Patricia) of Shelby, NC and Ricky Abraham of Hickory, NC; sister, Cathy Roseboro (Jerry) of Shelby, NC; two brothers in law, Rev. Isaac Pettis of Statesville, NC and Craymond Strong of Hickory, NC; aunt, Shirley Tate of Gaffney, SC; caregiver Gwendolyn Ross; special nephew Maurice Montgomery and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Waco, NC at 2 pm. Receptions of family and friends will begin at 1:30 pm. Burial will be in the church cemetery.