Douglas Patrick Smith was born on June 26, 1964, to Sallie Brown Smith Tanner and the late Douglas McArthur Smith in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools and attended Dorman High School. Douglas worked at Phillip Fibers for more than fifteen years and took great pride in his work.

Douglas loved animals and cared for them with a gentle heart. He also enjoyed being a plant dad and found joy tending to his plants, making sure they were healthy and growing. His favorite pastime was spending precious moments with his grandchildren who were truly his pride and joy.

At an early age Douglas was baptized and joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Whitestone. In later years he attended First Baptist Church of Fairforest, continuing his walk of faith throughout his life.

He was preceded in death, along with his father, by sister, Angela D. Smith.

Left to cherish his fond and loving memories include his mother, Sallie Brown Smith Tanner of the home; children, Douglas "DJ" Ray (Ronnita) Smith of Spartanburg, SC, Brandon (Jamalah) Smith of Spartanburg, SC, Tamara (Pastor Laprell) Wilson of Greenville, SC, Jessica Foster of Spartanburg, SC, and Whitney Foster of Spartanburg, SC; siblings, Marvin (Toni) Smith of Greenville, SC and Anthony F. Smith of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Douglas Smith Jr., Kaydience Smith, Ramya Smith, Brandon Smith, Carsen Smith, Taylor Smith, Laila R. Smith, Bailey Smith, Damarion Sanders, Deanna Sanders, Lauren Wilson, Layliana Wilson, Kylin Cao, Izzabella Cao, Aaliyah Hunter, D'andre Hunter, Zhoie Hunter, Dallas Hunter, and Kaoh Robertson; sister cousin, Jacqueline Griffin; uncle, Arthur Brown; aunt, Mattie (John) M. Griffin; close family friends, Walter Robertson and family of Charleston, SC and Larry Brown and family of Summerville, SC; and a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On the evening of Saturday, December 6, 2025, Douglas transitioned peacefully at his home. His loving spirit, gentle heart, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Though he is no longer with us in the physical, his life remains a testament of quiet strength, genuine kindness, and unwavering love for family. His memory will continue to live within the hearts of those he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind will forever shine through the generations he adored.