Dates
David Larkin Smith was born in Modesto, California to Larkin and Bonnie Smith on March 27th, 1946 and he went to be with the Lord on January 13th, 2024 at the age of 77 in San Angelo, Texas.
David was truly a “friend of God” as he served his Lord faithfully, with his wife Gaynell for over 50 years in ministry. They celebrated 54 years of marriage in September of last year. Together they founded Word of Life over 40 years ago and before that, they served as youth pastors at First Assembly of God in San Angelo, Texas.
David served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines. While there, he saw a picture of Gaynell in another man’s locker and inquired about her. He learned her name was Gaynell Park and she lived in San Angelo, Texas. Shortly after this, the will of God brought David to Goodfellow AFB and he promptly found Gaynell and proceeded to win her heart, her love and ultimately her hand in marriage. God had a plan for these two and David knew a good thing when he saw it! They married in 1969 and had two sons, David “DJ” and Jason that were the joy of their life.
David loved to tease people and he loved to laugh and have a good time. He loved sports and enjoyed watching the games with his buddies, DJ and Jason. David loved to preach and minister to the people of God. He devoted his life to being a true shepherd. He loved God and fed his sheep and his lambs. Truth, sound doctrine was everything to him.
David loved to travel with Gaynell and he especially loved “cruising.” They were also blessed to go to Israel twice, which was life-changing to both of them. Wherever they went, they loved and prayed for people and made life-long friends.
David loved to read, study, and pray. He loved the Word of God and the gifts and moving of the Holy Spirit. He always welcomed the Holy Spirit and made a place for Him to move in the church services. The Holy Spirit never failed to show up and amaze us! We have had so many precious and powerful times at the altars of Word of Life! Lives forever changed because of David’s love and faithfulness to God!
Over the course of David’s life in ministry, he has preached in the neighborhood of 6000 messages, performed countless weddings, funerals, water baptisms and baby dedications. Through thousands of altar calls, countless souls were saved, healed, delivered and filled with the Holy Spirit. David went wherever people were hurting and needing Jesus. He was known by name in local hospitals, nursing homes and jails throughout San Angelo. He was known by his love! What a “Legacy of Love” he has left for us to continue in honor of him and Jesus!
In addition to his Parents, Larkin and Bonnie Smith, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Reverend H.P. and Louise Park, his beloved Son, David “DJ” Smith, and Brother-in-Law Don Langum.
David is lovingly remembered by his Wife, Gaynell, his beloved Son Jason Smith and daughter-in-love Angela, daughter-in-love April Smith, Grandchildren, Gunnar, Sterling, Seth, Kamryn, Ashlin, Addison, and Josh, Sister, Sandy Langum, Brother Gary Park and wife Pam, Nephew, Jeff Langum and wife Sara, Niece Leslie Williams and husband Monty, Becky Langum, Krissy Blex and husband Tony.
There are so many more awesome family members and devoted friends…too many to mention, but you ALL know you were special, loved and prayed for by Pastor David Smith.
We know that he was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by the Lord with His arms wide open, saying, “Well Done, My good and faithful servant”... because he was.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Word of Life Assembly of God. The burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers for the service will be Jerry Searcy, David Springer, Billy Frazier, James McWilliams, Buddy Blake and Terry Gauwain. Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Michael Hall, Danny Hall, James Vanover, Lloyd Hablizel, Stephen Whitlock and Dan Springer.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.