Christopher Dale "Chris" Smith

It is with deep respect and profound admiration that we celebrate the life of Christopher Dale "Chris" Smith, who was born on the 26th of May 1973 in Dothan, Alabama, and who left this world unexpectedly on the 27th of July 2023, in Panama City, Florida. Chris was a beacon of positivity, a loving father, a devoted son, and an unwavering friend. His life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of faith, and the beauty of perseverance.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm Friday, August 4, 2023, in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Pastor Tim Dickerson officiating and burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The family requests friends to dress casually. Flowers are accepted or donations to be made to Sunset Memorial Park for funeral expenses.

Chris was a man of many passions, but none were as prominent as his love for family and friends. His father, LJ Smith, may have preceded him in death, but the bond they shared lives on in the hearts of those who knew them. Chris is survived by his adoring mother, Linda Shepard, and his brothers, Jeffrey and Kenneth "Tripp" Smith. Their bond was unbreakable, their love, unending. Chris was also a proud father to his son, Gabe (Carolyn) Newman, and a doting grandfather to Mills and John Walter Newman. His aunts, Willa Dean Condrey, Elisa Grier, and Sue Campbell, along with uncles Shelby, Robert, and Larry Strickland, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, will continue to carry his legacy in their hearts. His childhood friend, Tabatha Spivey, along with countless others who loved him like a brother, will forever cherish the memories they shared.

Chris was a proud graduate of Dothan High School and The University of Alabama, where he honed his sharp intellect and gentle spirit. His educational journey was a testament to his dedication and commitment, traits that would serve him well throughout his life. He was a lifelong learner, always seeking to grow and improve, inspiring those around him to do the same. Chris had a zest for life that was truly infectious. His interests ranged from playing the guitar to watching the sunrise and sunset, from playing golf to working diligently. He was an active individual, always on the move, always seeking the next adventure. Yet, it was his words of inspiration, his contagious smile, and his warm hugs that truly set him apart. Chris was a beacon of positivity, always ready with an encouraging word or a comforting embrace. His love for his mother was a beautiful sight, and his dedication to being a family man was admirable. Above all, Chris was a man of faith. His Christianity was not just a part of his life, it was his life. He found joy in bible study and in living out his faith every day.

Chris was a man who embodied the words loving, intelligent, and gentle. His love was evident in the way he treated those around him, his intelligence shone through in his accomplishments, and his gentle nature was a balm to all who knew him. He lived his life with a positivity that was inspiring, with a faith that was unwavering, and with a love that was all-encompassing.

In celebrating Chris’s life, we are not just remembering a man who was taken from us too soon, we are celebrating a life well-lived, a love well-shared, and a faith well-expressed. We are celebrating a man who touched the lives of many, who inspired those around him, and who left this world a better place. Chris’s life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of faith, and the beauty of perseverance. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.

As we say goodbye to Christopher Dale "Chris" Smith, let us remember him not with sorrow, but with joy. Let us remember his love, his warmth, his faith, and his positivity. Let us remember Chris, a man who truly lived, who truly loved, and who truly inspired.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604