D'Angelo R. Smith Obituary (1965

D'Angelo Ramon Smith "Big Dee" Humorous, Charismatic, Brilliant and Loving are the words that best describe D'Angelo Ramon Smith. D'Angelo was born on November 17, 1965 as the only son from the union of Jefferson Smith Jr. and Helen Smith-Durham. Raised in his beloved community in Fulton, D'Angelo often reflected on the joy of having a close family, playing with a diverse group of schoolmates and growing up around caring neighbors. He was influenced by his family's history of entrepreneurship and community building which would eventually become a huge part of his legacy. D'Angelo attended Armstrong-Kennedy High School in Richmond Virginia, graduating in 1984. He participated in several sports and organizations, however basketball, coached by the legendary Fletcher Johnson would be his love and favorite pastime. Dee was known as a gentleman, a well-read person and a stylish dresser, which his mother ensured and taught him well. He was one of the members of the notable group "The Fades "(Joe Thorpe, Wayne Ross, Jacques Grooms and Erskine Carter) which was the highlight of his high school days. They would remain life-long friends, often reuniting whenever they would all be in town. Upon graduation, D'Angelo would spend the next three years matriculating at Virginia State University where he studied Sports Management. D'Angelo decided to join his father in the family business upon leaving school. Smith Bookkeeping and Business Services LLC, one of Richmond's leading small bookkeeping and tax preparation, has been in business for over 35 years. Together, they established prominence in the city and beyond. He loved helping his clients and mitigated their tax troubles as if they were his own. D'Angelo and Yvette Davis Rajput were married in 1989 and soon were proud parents of Kristin Imani and Kole D'Angelo Smith. Later he would become a devoted father to Kendall Yvonne Smith. He was a great father, always there for special occasions and support. His three children meant the world to him and everyone knew of his devotion and unconditional love. They were the bright stars in his eyes and kept him motivated especially on days that were the most challenging. D'Angelo applied valuable lessons of fatherhood that he learned from his father who was his business partner and best friend as well. D'Angelo would live into the example and even became godfather to so many other children. After retiring his basketball shoes, D'Angelo became very active in the basketball league arena. He was the first director of the Johnny Newman Youth Basketball Camp for many years. Also, he was instrumental in the formation of the YMCA Basketball League in Downtown Richmond. He was so excited to mentor and coach basketball players, all genders and ages, towards reaching their full potential. D'Angelo had a big heart and a giving spirit. He had a deep compassion for those in need. He would literally give you the shirt off his back and ask for nothing in return. He was truly the epitome of a tall, dark and handsome man; which he would remind you of whenever he got a chance. Some of his favorite sayings were "Let's go get something to eat." or "Are you good?" "Do you need anything?" or calling to just simply tell you that he was proud of you! We will miss his love, kindness and strength but mostly his jokes and sense of humor. D'Angelo could hold a conversation with just about anyone...no one was a stranger. He loved to talk on the phone, trying new restaurants, reading, watching movies, listening to music which hip-hop was his favorite genre and hanging out at the former Harvey's Barbershop with the crew. He loved to watch his favorite teams, LA Lakers and Las Vegas Raiders as most of you already know. He relished in giving advice and motivating people towards greatness. He believed in the power of family and championed for the members to spend more time together. Although his health was failing him, D'Angelo remained optimistic and fought to the end like a true warrior. "REST In POWER, PEACE and PARADISE" Preceded in death, (grandfather) Jefferson Smith Sr.; (grandmothers) Thelma 'Honey' Smith and, Ella Mae Brayboy; (step-mother) Delores H. Smith; (uncle) Haywood Brayboy; (aunts) Lois Pitchford, Gale Robinson, Julia Mae Brayboy and Michelle Smith and (in-laws) Yvonne 'Pat' and Robert M. Davis Sr. D'Angelo leaves to cherish his memory, (parents) Jefferson Smith Jr. (Doris Sturdavant) and Helen Smith-Durham (Donald Durham); (children) Kristin Imani and Kole D'Angelo Smith (Yvette Davis-Rajput) and Kendall Smith (Shavonn Doughtery); (sisters) Antoinette and Robin Pride, Shawnaye Brown-Smith, Asher Smith and (brothers) Jefferson Robinson and Tony Cousins; (sister/cousins) Kimberly Hughes and Keisha Brayboy and (brother/Cousin) Kenneth Brayboy; (uncle) William Hughes; (devoted fiance) Sharita Haskins and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, godchildren, friends and little Miss Zora.