Duane Daniel Smith

Duane Daniel Smith known by most as ‘Smitty’, 59, passed away Sunday, August 6th  2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Duane was born August 27th, 1963 to Derald and Frances Smith in Fort Benning, Georgia. He was a graduate of Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia.

Duane joined the Army in 1983 as a military policeman and served 3 years of active duty, including a one-year tour in Germany. After his tour in Germany, he was stationed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia where his oldest son, Shayne D Smith Sr. was born. Shortly after being honorably discharged from the Army in November of 1986, Duane joined the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. During his time as a police officer, Duane was nominated for the 1995 National Top Cop Award for administering life-saving care to a 4 month old infant. Two years later, his youngest son, David L Smith was born.

Duane retired from the D.C. Police Department in 2007 and moved to Partlow, VA where he lived until health complications ultimately led him closer to family in Virginia Beach in April of 2023. In May of 2023, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, in what Duane and his family consider one of the best days in memory.  Duane spent his free time donating stuffed animals and toys to children’s hospitals and churches, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and playing practical jokes on his family and friends. His humor was infectious, and he always wanted to make those around him laugh.

Left to cherish his memory are his father, Derald; mother, Frances; two brothers, Bill & Lee; two sons, Shayne & David; step-daughter, Angelica; grandchildren, Skylar, Avery, Josiah, Raegan, Cohen, Ezekiel,  Shayne Jr. & a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Smitty’s friends and family will gather to pay their respects during the visitation at Altmeyer Funeral Home Maestas Chapel on Wednesday, August 16th, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Funeral services for Duane will be held the following day, August 17th, at 11:30 am, also at Altmeyer Funeral Home Maestas Chapel. Following the funeral, a committal will take place at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at 2 pm.