Dr. Donald Albert Smith

Dr. Donald Albert Smith was born on November 19, 1931 in Yonkers, New York, the son of the late Albert and Ruth Smith. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Barbara A. Smith, and is survived by a sister, Ardeth Schuyler or New York, his three children, Jean Smith of New Jersey, Carrie Smith Burggraf of Missouri, and David Smith of Virginia, as well as six beloved grandsons, Seth, Nate, and Ty Burggraf, and Andrew, Bryson, and William Smith.

Don’s youth was filled with numerous roles and adventures in scouting, church, and the community and included such varied tasks as busing tables, selling men’s clothing, directing youth activities, editing, and even chauffeuring. He attended Gorton High School in Yonkers, then commuted daily to New York City by trolley and subway while working his way through multiple degrees at Columbia University: a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Journalism (Columbia College, 1953), a Master of Divinity (Union Theological Seminary, 1956), a Master of Arts in Student Administration, and a doctorate in Administration of Higher Education (Teachers College, 1959 and 1965). While in school, he also served on the newspaper, yearbook, and University Christian Association. He was a life member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Don taught English at Kanto Gakuin Baptist University in Yokohama, Japan, where he also climbed Mt. Fuji and was the Director of a World Council of Churches international work camp in the Japan Alps and proposed to Barbara. The young couple joined Alderson-Broaddus College in 1960 where Don served in multiple roles, including off-campus education, development, public relations, student placement, and dean of students. He retired in 1997 but continued to serve in advisory roles and acted as the volunteer Director of the Barbour County Chamber of Commerce for 33 years.

Don’s volunteer positions also included director the College’s honorary University of Hard Knocks, quartermaster of the West Virginia Highlanders bagpipe band, and secretary of the Philippi Law Enforcement Task Force. He was also a Commissioner of the International Stewart Society and a member of the Society of American Magacians. Don spent what little extra free time he had in pursuits that included jazz music and ventriloquism.

Don had a near-death experience in 2012 during open heart surgery when he says he clearly heard God’s voice asking if he wanted to live or was ready to go. His emphatic response was, “I want to LIVE”, which he certainly did. His family and his community were the better for it, and he will be sadly missed.

A short, private family graveside service will be followed at a later date by a community remembrance date.