David Paul Smith

David Paul Smith, 74, of Starkville, Mississippi passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

David was born on July 16, 1952 in Meridian, Mississippi to Lonnie and Josephine Smith. He was a loving father and devoted husband who dedicated his life to hard work and caring for those he loved. He will be remembered for his charming personality, quick wit, and dry, sarcastic sense of humor. True to himself until the very end, he will always be remembered with a cigar in one hand, a grin on his face, and a talent for lovingly aggravating everyone around him.

David loved the outdoors and could usually be found relaxing in whatever outdoor oasis he had created for himself. Over the years, he enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, drawing and exploring any new technology that caught his eye. Anyone who knew David also knew the pride and countless hours he poured into his beloved Jeep Wrangler.

Above all, David loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Lynn Carter; his children Timothy Smith (Alex), Jamie Dunsworth (David); his grandchildren, Jacob, Everest, India, Aiden, Kinsleigh, Adelyn and Ella; his siblings, Lonnie Smith Jr (Suelyn), Allen Smith (Betty), Sue Ellyn Linton (Andy) and Rosa Stys (Allen); his nieces Natasha Smith, Stacey Smith; along with his nephews Shane Smith, David Smith, Kevin Smith, Joseph Linton, Marcus Linton and Matthew Linton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie Smith Sr. and Josephine Manley and by his brother James Patrick Smith.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses and hospice team and caregivers who provided compassionate care and comfort during David’s final days. A special thank you goes to Haley Murphy, FNP-C of Starkville Pulmonary Clinic whose kindness, compassion, and dedication will never be forgotten.

A family service will be held at a later date, with Marcus Linton officiating.

Those who loved David know how fiercely he fought to spend every possible moment with the people he loved. David will be remembered for his strength, determination, unwavering love for his family, and his ability to make others laugh. He faced life’s challenges with grit and resilience while never losing his sense of humor. Although he will be deeply missed every day, his stories, laughter and love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.