Our beloved father, David Cornelius Smith, was born March 17, 1924 in Bethel Springs, Tennessee. He was the seventh of eight children born to the union of Samuel Smith and Liddie Ellen (Davis) Smith. Dad departed this life on February 7, 2016 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Samuel Larnell, Earnest, Paul Jewel, John, Lee Manuel, Robert, and Ellie Ruth. His early schooling was at Rosenwald School and McNairy County High School in Tennessee. After graduation, Dad enlisted in the United States Army. He reached the rank of First Sergeant earning a marksmanship badge. He received two Bronze Service Stars and other service awards. Dad attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with major in Social Studies and a Mathematical Minor from Lane College in 1949. During his three years at Lane College, he was involved in several organizations including the Little Theatre, Young Men’s Christian Association. N.A.A.C.P., Debate Team and President of the Social Studies Club. In addition, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Dad was active in the sport of baseball. It was during his participation in the sport that he loved that he also found the love of his life, Evelyn D. Shelby. It was love at first sight across the baseball diamond. The couple wed on July 10, 1950 in Corinth, Mississippi and moved to Detroit, Michigan. Our mom has always said that dad was the best husband she could have ever had. He treated her like a queen with the respect she deserved. Their marriage was a true testament to the real meaning of unconditional love. To this union bore five beautiful daughters. Dad ensured that his family had a stable home environment. He had a thirty-eight year career with Chrysler Corporation working as a lineman to a supervisor before retiring in 1988. Our dad always said he felt blessed to have his five daughters and never felt shortchanged not having a son. He lovingly referred to us as “his girls.” Dad was a devoted father who loved us with compassion, patience and understanding. He always made time to attend parent-teacher conferences and school performances as well as to assist with homework. He always told us “you can do anything you put your mind to.” On his passing, he leaves his cherished wife of sixty-five years, affectionately called Eve. Together to the end their undying love for each other was shared gracefully, cheerfully and triumphantly until his last breath. She kissed him and told him “goodbye for now until we meet again.” He leaves as his legacy Denise Smith, Pamela Moy (Christopher), Deborah Washington (James), Carol Tooks (Ernest), Tonia Butler (Otis); grandchildren, Kayana Bates, Nikia Moy Pugh (Michael), Annise and David Moy, Jamese, James, Darien and Aliya Washington, Kayin and Jakobi Tooks. Evyn Butler; He is survived by one sister-in-law, Estelle, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.