David was born on March 6, 1964, to Alvin Gene and Savannah "Boots" Smith. When he was growing up, he always said he was never getting married and never having kids and God blessed him with both (Never say Never).

He was a God-loving man who lived his life in service to others. Whether it was sharing a word of encouragement, giving away the last dollar in his wallet, or offering food he could hardly spare, David helped without hesitation or expectation. Many people have since come forward to share the quiet, life-changing kindnesses he offered—gestures that, though simple to him, made a world of difference to others.

David proudly served in the United States Army as a mechanic, working on Bradley fighting vehicles. After his service, he continued to work with his hands—he loved being a mechanic, an electrician, and building things from wood. His skills were practical, but they were also a form of art—careful, useful, and always given with love.

David was not just talented, he was compassionate. Even when health challenges kept him from working, he remained active—reaching out to friends and family through Facebook messages, encouraging words, and the signature jokes that so many looked forward to. He connected with others deeply and often, never letting pain or personal hardship stop him from offering joy and comfort.

He especially loved to smoke meat and share his favorite recipes. His conversations were warm, his humor contagious, and his faith unwavering. During his final hospital stay—over six weeks—he spent his time talking to others about God's love, offering testimony and comfort even in the midst of his own pain.

As his wife, I can say I was the lucky one. David taught me patience, strength, and what true love really is.

To everyone who has shared stories, sent messages, or offered prayers: thank you. Your love has helped carry me through.

-With deepest gratitude,

Mrs. David Lee Burton (Claudia)

Hey there! I'm reaching out to share a little about my current situation after losing David. Your support, no matter how small, can really make a difference in helping me manage our bills during this tough time—if you feel moved, please consider clicking the link below to donate or share it with others. Thank you for your kindness and for being there!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/assist-claudia-in-overcoming-financial-hardship?attribution_id=sl:168be25c-1c54-4ba5-b700-4e303f04c366&lang=en_US&ts=1750349146&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2-amp15_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms&v=amp14_t2