Daniel Toliver Smith

Daniel Toliver Smith, 79 passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Liberty Commons Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Salisbury, NC. He was surrounded by his family as God's angels came to usher him through Heaven's Gate.

Dan was born November 2, 1943, in the Enochville Community of Rowan County. He was the tenth of twelve children born to Mack Henry and Mardre Horne Smith. He was raised on the family farm and attended Rowan County Schools.

Dan was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 as a crew chief on a LARC-60 amphibious vehicle. Upon an honorable discharge he returned to Rowan County where he lived most of his life near the family farm.

Dan was a skilled mechanic by trade. He retired in 2008 from J.B. Transport as a road tractor mechanic. In 2010 he returned to the workforce as a mechanic for Jacor, Inc. where he worked until 2012. Dan was also very handy as a plumber, electrician, carpenter, and an amazing cook.

Dan loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with his whole heart. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. He loved music especially bluegrass gospel and he enjoyed playing the banjo. He was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. There are many who will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his infectious laugh. Dan loved the Lord Jesus Christ and strived to live a life that would be pleasing unto Him. He was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church in Kannapolis, NC. Dan enjoyed trips to the NC mountains especially the areas of Brown Mountain Gorge and Table Rock. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle until his health prevented him from doing so. Dan and his wife, Teresa, made their home on what was once part of the Smith family farm.

He loved taking long walks through the woods surrounding his home and spending time down by the Slick Rock.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents where his brothers Lawrence Smith, Jack Smith, Paul Smith, Duane Smith, Bruce Smith, and Kenneth Smith; sisters, Annie Smith and Carol (Smith) Reynolds.  Those left to cherish his precious memory are his loving wife of 38 years, Teresa Washburn Smith; sons, Matthew Clinton Smith of Kannapolis, NC and Daniel Ethan Smith (Jenny) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Nolan Smith of Fort Drum, NY and Savi Smith of Charlotte, NC; sisters, Janet Campbell (Robert) of Richfield, NC and Patsy Evans of China Grove, NC; brother, Kearney Smith (Catherine) of Green Mountain, NC. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Emma Washburn of Eden, NC; brother-in-law, Wayne Washburn (Amy) of Greensboro, NC; and numerous extended family and friends.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 27th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis, NC. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel. A military burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove, N.C.

The family would like to thank the staff of Liberty Commons Skilled Nursing Center and Liberty Hospice for their exceptional care and support during the past four months.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dan’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association 4600 Park Road Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209 or to Coltrane L.IF.E. Center 321 Corban Ave. S.E., Concord, NC 28025.