David E. Smucker, age 79, died Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Life Care Center of East Ridge Tennessee from complications of endocarditis. He was born May 14, 1945 in Aurora Illinois to Mark and Mildred Smucker. He grew up in Wheaton Illinois and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois (Champaign/Urbana). In the fall of 1966, he re-met a high-school classmate on campus, a newly graduated RN named Carol, and they were married June 17, 1967.
David began his 32 year career with ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America) in
the Pittsburgh area with the Equipment Development Division. He advanced in
the company through moves to Davenport Iowa, working in the Foil Mill and
becoming Chief Mechanical Engineer for mill modernization there. David’s
specialty was rolling mill technology which took him to Swansea Wales, and then
to Knoxville Tennessee as Mechanical Engineering Manager for Flat Rolled
Products worldwide.
Three children were born in Pennsylvania, LynAnne, Mark, and Christine. David
was a loving father and husband, always supporting his children’s and his wife’s
endeavors. He was smart and creative. As a multi-hobbyist he excelled at
woodworking, metalworking, blacksmithing, bicycle frame building, photography,
bread baking and model railroading. In 2000 he and Carol retired. David’s
interest in blacksmithing led them to Brasstown North Carolina where David
fulfilled a dream of building a timber frame home and becoming involved with the
John C. Campbell Folk School. David served two terms on the school’s board and
taught an annual blacksmithing class for 14 years. Establishing a church
connection in their new community was of utmost importance to Carol and David.
They have been blessed to be a part of the ministry of Good Shepherd Episcopal
Church in Hayesville where David served in multiple leadership positions including being chairperson for the Building Construction Committee.
Despite his illness he retained his beautiful smile and sense of humor and family and friends will miss him dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Carol; daughter, LynAnne (Dagon Schrott) Smucker,
Eudora, Kansas; son, Mark (Anne Schott) Smucker, Waterloo, Ontario Canada;
daughter, Christine (Andrew) Erickson, Beaverton, Oregon; sister Janice Street
and brother Frank Smucker, both of Boulder, Colorado, and grandchildren Leo
and Amy Smucker and Lucas and Natalie Erickson. He was predeceased by his
parents and younger brother, Alan; sister-in-law, Candy Smucker; and brother-in-law, Bob Street.
Memorial gifts may be given to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Hayesville or
the John C. Campbell Folk School.
A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Hayesville on
Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Dr. Bill Breedlove officiating.
Burial will be in the church memorial garden. A reception will be held in the
Parish Hall following the service.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
James Mitchell Myers 
