Daniel Willard Smith, age 52, of Pinehaven Drive, New London, NC passed away on March 14, 2026 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Rev. Charles Moses officiating.   

A visitation will be held prior to the memorial service from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Briggs Funeral Home.

Daniel was born in Oscoda, Michigan on May 20, 1973 to Danny Smith and Myra Deaton Smith. He was of Wesleyan faith.  Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Willard Smith and Ira & Lottie Deaton.  

Mr. Smith was a graduate with South Davidson High School class of 1991.  Daniel loved going to the beach, fishing, racing and watching anything sports. He was a Foreman for the Pipe Fitting Union. 

Daniel is survived by his parents, Danny and Myra Deaton Smith of Denton; grandmother, Grace Trotter Smith of Denton; brother, Aaron Smith and his wife Candice of Denton, nephews, Devon, Joseph and Noah Smith; fiancée, Brenda Clark and her son Bryce Elrod of New London.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to South Davidson High School Athletic Boosters Club, P.O. Box 1223, Denton, N.C. 27239.