Obituary of Donald Gene Smith

Mr. Donald Gene Smith, age 88, a resident of Auburndale, Florida passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. Mr. Smith was born April 5, 1935 in Clearwater, Florida to James and Myrtice (Barlow) Smith. He was an Auburndale resident since 1957 coming from Waverly, Florida. He graduated from Lake Wales High School Class of 1953. For many years he was the Owner/Operator of Don Smith’s Citrus in Auburndale, Florida. Don was a City of Auburndale Commissioner, Mayor of Auburndale, 32^nd Degree Mason, Volunteer Fireman for the City of Waverly and the City of Auburndale. He later became an Auburndale Police Officer and was a Member for over 50 years at the Lake Region Sportsmen Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting (loved South Carolina), lobstering but most of all loved to spend time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife – Patricia “Pat” and brother – Joe. Donald is survived by his loving family, 2 sons – Joey Smith and his wife Lynne of Winter Haven, Florida and Jerry Smith and his wife Stephany of Auburndale, Florida; daughter – Carla Murphy and her husband Jamie of Auburndale, Florida; 8 grandchildren – Courtney, Josh (Larkin), Chris, Brad, Kyle (Nikki), Lauren (Drew), Jake (Morgan) & Sydney (Alton); 7 great grandchildren – Ellie, Colton, Rayden, Harper, Jase, Addison & Yates. He also leaves to cherish his memory his companion of 5 years – Betsy Gambril.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Donald Smith’s name to; Florida Sportsmen Conservation Association, P.O. Box 20051, West Palm Beach, Florida 33416. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, July 7^th at Kersey Funeral Home with visitation beginning 10am at the funeral home. A private family interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park. There will be a reception after the services at Auburndale Rec Hall, 119 West Park Street.