Donovan Smith Obituary

Donovan Weston Smith, 35, of Atlantic, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024.

Donovan spent his childhood in Atlantic where he learned a strong work ethic and love for the water from his father, Dick. As a boy, he was fortunate to be surrounded by a group of friends who shared in his passions for the outdoors and causing mischief. Any given day, they could be found at the pond, the sand hills, or on the water. Evenings were often spent at the ball field where Donovan had no shortage of family in attendance, with his mother always his #1 fan. It was at this time that Donovan met his lifelong best friend, Brandon Gavetti. Many years later, they would become fathers within the same year and the second generation of Smith Road BFFS were born to return the favor on all their childhood mischief. 

 Throughout his teenage years, Donovan continued his work on the water with his Daddy. He graduated from ECHS in 2006 and destiny had led him to commercial fishing. Donovan developed many relationships within the commercial fishing community while working many different types of fisheries. Donovan spent time up and down the east coast chasing fish and a paycheck, sometimes gone for weeks at a time. No matter the sacrifice, he chose to fish over anything. One of his most memorable experiences was his time spent on the FV Susan Rose with Captain Joe Rose.

In 2011, Donovan and Danielle welcomed the birth of their daughter Madison. Madison was Donavan’s world from the moment she was born. As an infant, Donovan was a hands on father who kept Madison in the evenings while Danielle worked. By the time she was a toddler, Madison could often be seen tagging along with Dick and Donovan fishing, hunting, or simply just working at the shed. Madison inherited a love for ball from Donovan and he would beam with pride over her accomplishments. Donovan often said proudly that she got her “good looks” and “athletics” from her Daddy, but got her “smarts” from her Mama. He felt she was his greatest accomplishment in life and took any opportunity to express that to her. They shared a close relationship and often referred to each other as “best friends”. They created many memories that Madison will continue to cherish. 

To his friends and his family, Donovan was known most for his humor and his selflessness. Known to be the family prankster, it was often he got one over on one of the family members. More often than not, his little brother Kacey unwillingly took the bait. Donovan was always willing to help someone in need and was the first on scene if someone needed help. He prided himself in being a simple man who could find his greatest joy indulging in life’s pleasures like a sunset at the High Hills, opening day duck season, or a net full of fish. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Bridgeway Church of Beaufort. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at Bridgeway Church of Beaufort. 

Donovan is survived by his daughter, Madison Smith and her mother, Danielle Ferrari of Atlantic; his mother, Michelle Smith of Atlantic; siblings: Kacey Smith (Lexi) of Atlantic, Kelsey Smith (Buddy) of Davis, Audra and Corky Odum of Newport, aunts; Andrea Tosto (Pat) of Beaufort, Stella Salter of Beaufort, Linda Tosto of Madison, NC, Nelly Anne Smith of Morehead City; uncle, Donald Lawrence of Atlantic; nephews, Cole Smith and Weston Simmons; niece, Harlie Smith.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Margarie Smith; maternal grandparents, Joyce Salter; Malcom and Faye Lawrence; uncles, Jeffrey Smith, John Jr Smith, Paul Tosto, father, Richard “Dick” Smith. 

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.