Rev. Donald Wesley Smith

The Reverend Donald Wesley Smith passed away on April 4, 2024 in Braintree. Donald was born at home in Revere MA. on September 29, 1931. He was the son of Walter and Mildred (Gillespie) Smith. He lived in Revere and Medford while attending Gordon College. He graduated in 1952 with his B.A. in Theology and Philosophy. He then entered Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary graduating in 1958. Prior to this he met and married the former Joanne E. Seander of Everett MA in 1954. They remained married until her death in 2009.

Reverend Smith served as Minister to churches in Amesbury, Peabody and Braintree. He served as Minister of South Congregational Church, Braintree from 1969 until his retirement in 1993. In addition to his ministerial duties, he served as Chaplain to many area hospitals and nursing homes. He also wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper entitled “Thinking Things Through”.
Reverend Smith enjoyed time with his family, writing, and long road trips on the coast. In his spare time he could be found in his garage working on various automobiles, most notably Peugeots.

Above all, he was a man of God with a deep unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His walk with the Lord shall remain his greatest legacy.

Reverend Smith was the husband of the late Joanne E. Smith. He is survived by his daughter Heather Jane Smith-Nutter and her husband Jonathan of Abington and a son Blair E. Smith of Beverly. He was predeceased by his eldest son J. Scott Smith in 1976 at age 19. He leaves behind his 5 grandchildren; Nathaniel Wesley Nutter and his wife Lilly of Holbrook, Calvin Smith Nutter of Abington and Elizabeth Jane Nowell and her husband Nicholas of N.Carolina, Dakota Smith of Beverly and Walker Smith of Peabody. He was the brother of the late Velvin Swanson and the late Myrle Dean. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to South Congregational Church, 1075 Washington Street, Braintree MA. 02184

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Donald Wesley Smith, please visit our floral store.