David Bruce Smith, 71, of Kings Mountain, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at Wendover Hospice House. David, who faced a short but valiant battle with cancer, was surrounded by love from his wife of nearly fifty years, Krista, and his children. David was born in Kings Mountain on December 30, 1953, to the late Wilbur "Mutt" Smith and Sara Meeks Smith. He proudly graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1972 before continuing his education at Western Carolina University. There, he forged lasting bonds as a member of the Theta Xi fraternity.
David found immense joy in both the mountains and the ocean, destinations where he created countless cherished memories with family and friends. He had a playful spirit, often declaring himself a "professional race car driver" as he navigated winding mountain roads or cruised along scenic coastlines, ensuring everyone on board was holding on tight for the exhilarating ride. For David, every journey was an unforgettable adventure, and undertaking the NASCAR Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway was one of his favorites. David possessed a natural talent for home improvement and was always eager to share his practical wisdom. He patiently taught countless life skills, from the simple act of changing a tire to the finer points of maintaining a pristine lawn, a passion that was a close second only to his dedication to Steelers football and Tar Heel basketball. When he was still able to play, he thoroughly enjoyed a round of golf, never missing an opportunity to playfully boast about shooting under par or outplaying his "cronies" without, as he'd insist, a single cheat. David's gift for connecting with people was evident throughout his distinguished career in the grocery business. He started as a bag boy at Harris Teeter, dedicating over 30 years to the company in various leadership positions. Later, he transitioned to become a team leader for Kraft Foods and ISE America. His professional achievements and pride were highlighted in several magazines, where he was named one of "America's Top Twenty Young Managers" and praised for his singular ability to "turn around" struggling stores. David was a cherished member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he proudly served in several leadership capacities, including as a Deacon. His commitment to the church and community was further evident through his singing in the choir and active involvement in numerous committees dedicated to the betterment of both Oak Grove and Kings Mountain.

David leaves behind a loving legacy and is survived by his devoted wife, Krista Blanton Smith, with whom he would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 12, 2025. He is also survived by his cherished children, Laura Dixon and Matthew Smith, and his beloved granddaughter, Haley. David will be deeply missed by his brother, Tom Smith, and a large extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur G. "Mutt" Smith and Sara Meeks Smith, his brother Richard Smith, and his sister Louzelle "Lou" Smith Durden.

The family kindly requests live, rooted plants instead of flowers, so that Krista and her family can honor David's memory by watching them grow for years to come. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/) or to VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Mountain Rest Cemetery with Reverend Jason Allen officiating

VISITATION: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:50 A.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home

INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM
ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA