05/12/2026
🕊️ It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved gunsmith Dave Smith.
David Lee Smith, known to many as Dave, passed away on April 28, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 73.
Born on July 4, 1952, in San Francisco, California, Dave lived a life marked by service, skill, curiosity, and a steady devotion to the people and pursuits he loved. He was a kind, creative, and intelligent man whose presence left a lasting impression on family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dave served his country in the United States Army, where he specialized in explosive ordnance disposal. After his time in the Army, he continued to build a life of hard work and craftsmanship. He and his father operated an olefin blasting business together, a venture that reflected both family connection and a strong work ethic. He also worked briefly as an electrician, and for more than 35 years he was an accomplished gunsmith, a profession in which his precision, patience, and deep knowledge were evident to all who knew his work.
Education was also an important part of Dave's life. He earned a Master of Public Administration from Florida State University, a distinction that spoke to his intelligence and commitment to lifelong learning.
In his younger years, Dave was a scuba diver and loved to sail, two pursuits that reflected his appreciation for adventure and the outdoors. He also enjoyed remote control airplanes, biking, and even took clogging lessons, always willing to try something new and have a little fun along the way. His passion, however, was shooting. He was in the American Pistol Smith's Guild and an NRA instructor. Although he competed, he most enjoyed spending time shooting with friends. Dave is survived by his sister, Beth Anne Smith, along with extended family and many dear friends who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by Edmund Smith his father and Norma Smith his mother.
✍️ If you have a memory of Dave you’d like to share, please do so in the comments of this post. We were all touched by Dave’s life and we’d love to hear how much me meant to each one of you.⬇️
