David "Diffy" Nicholas Smith

David “Diffy” Nicholas Smith, age 76, of Sweetwater, Texas, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at his residence.

His wishes were to be cremated.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Matt Holdahl officiating and military honors with the Dyess Air Force Base Honor Guard.  Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

David was born on April 6, 1947 in Elwood, Indiana, to Glendon F. and Betty F. (Miller) Smith.  He graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, in 1965.  He married Barbara Ann Atchley on March 16, 2013 in Midland, Texas.  He worked as a truck driver for over 40 years and a biker for over 50 years and never had an accident.  He was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran from 1965 - 1969 and in Active Reserves until 1971.  He enjoyed restoring rat rods and piddling in his shop.  He had been a resident of Sweetwater for three years moving from Globe, Arizona.  Diffy was a proud American and Independence Day was very important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Smith of Sweetwater, Texas, daughter, Kim Smith of Phoenix, Arizona, son, Joshua Smith of Chandler, Arizona, stepdaughters, Jennifer Stone and husband Brad of Midland, Texas, Amy Bright and husband Chad of Midland, Texas, Sarah Hildebrand and husband Josh of Big Spring, Texas, and Rachel McCready and husband Nathaniel of Vandenberg, California, fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers, Mike Smith and John Smith and wife Cindy, all of Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glendon and Betty Smith, and brother, Marty Smith.  He was also preceded in death in 1984 by Bernadette Owen, mother of David's children, Kimberley & Joshua Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local V.F.W..