Roy David Smith

Roy "Bud" David Smith, 77 of Seaside, California passed away November 30, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Roy was strength and compassion embodied in human form. He was a courteous and honorable man, a protector and provider, and the rock of our family. As anyone who spent time with him can tell you, he endeavored to spread his jokes and contagious laughter all around. Debating was his favorite past-time: politics, religion, sports, anything that got a rise out of people was fair game. Mostly, he just enjoyed talking and sharing stories with those around him. Born in North Carolina to John and Causie Smith, Roy developed his strong work ethic helping out on the family farm. He was a veritable Farmer's Almanac and always had a story to share about farm life. Growing up with his siblings: Fairy, Hoger, Forrest and Larry, there were always adventures to be had. Roy graduated from Washington High School in 1957 where beyond his studies, he was a school bus driver and spent many hours on the court honing his hook-shot as a basketball player. He fondly remembered his first car, a cherry-red 1952 Plymouth drop-top with white wall tires, and extolled its resplendence to family and friends whenever the opportunity presented itself. Roy proudly served in the US Army for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam. His intelligence, hard work, and leadership were an asset to those who had the pleasure of serving with him. His years in the Army left an indelible impression on him. He retired from the service as First Sergeant in 1982. Roy spent decades as a local Farmer's Insurance agent. Beyond being a businessman, he was as charitable with his time as he was with his money and always went the extra mile to help the people who came into his office. He enjoyed having conversations with the people he served and many friendships grew out of his time in the insurance business. Undoubtedly, what Roy loved the most in this world was his family. He was never happier than when the family gathered together. He was a devoted husband, adoring father, and a doting grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife Gunda, daughter Avery, son Mike, daughter Kathy, and four siblings. Roy also had four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Unwavering in his faith, Roy did not want us to despair at his passing. To the contrary, he wanted us to celebrate a life well lived. He saw death as a coming home to God and his family that had passed before him. On January 21, 2017 the Smith family will host a celebration of Roy's life at at Mission Memorial Chapel in Seaside at noon. Weather permitting the family will host a cook-out in his honor, chock-full with his favorite foods. In lieu of flowers please spread kindness to family, friends, and strangers. The most enduring tribute to Roy will be our sustained acts of kindness and compassion towards others, especially those who need it the most. Roy, we know you are watching over us and joyriding in that cherry-red 1952 Plymouth drop-top with white wall tires in the sky.