David Lee Smith

A link to the Memorial Service for David Smith can be found below, to view; copy and paste the link into the search bar. The live stream will begin Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 2:00PM:

https://www.youtube.com/live/hk1ddWiANdk

David Lee Smith, age 63, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Canton, Georgia, after courageously facing a prolonged illness. Born on March 8, 1962, David lived a life filled with creativity, laughter, and love.

Growing up in Dalton, Georgia, David graduated from Northwest Whitfield High School before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Costume Technology from the University of Georgia. His talent, eye for detail, and boundless imagination led him to a dream career with Walt Disney, where he designed and crafted costumes that brought magic to life for children and adults around the world. To David, it was never “just a job” — it was a way to make people believe in wonder.

David’s warmth extended far beyond his artistry. He was a devoted son to his mother, Janet Dalton Smith, and a loving brother to Dalton Lee Smith (wife Tracy), Katherine Fornili (husband Philip Bateman), and Suzanne Myers (husband Scott). He adored his nieces and nephews — Jakob Dalton Smith, Jared Anthony Smith, Margaret Fornili, and Stephen Fornili — and they adored him right back. He is also lovingly remembered by his former husband, Kent Winkelseth, and his former partner, Gio Gambino, who each shared meaningful chapters of his life.

David was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Lee Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 2:00 p.m. at South Canton Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. The service will also be available via Facebook live for those who cannot attend in person. That evening, friends and family will gather nearby for a casual celebration of life — just the way David would have wanted, filled with joy, stories, and maybe a little sparkle.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to lifelong friend and “guardian angel” Roy Hamlin, who remained faithfully by David’s side as his constant caregiver, advocate, and companion during his illness and hospice care.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Make-A-Wish, helping children with critical illnesses experience Disney magic, gain renewed strength, and create unforgettable memories with their families — something David believed in with all his heart.