EAST ALTON David R. Smith, 71, passed away at 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born Sept. 29, 1942, in Alton, the son of the late Clifford and Margaret Lorene (Hull) Smith. He married Karen Irene Gray on April 14, 1962, in East Alton. She survives. He was a Funeral Director. David was with Gray Funeral Home when it started in 1978, retiring after 28 years. Survivors include; one daughter and son-in-law, Betheny and Steve Burney of Ellenwood, Ga.; one son, John D. Smith of Calvert City, Ky.; five grandchildren, Kyle Burney, Courtney Smith, Neva Smith, MaKayla Smith, and Emily Smith; one great-grandchild, Alexis Williams; four sisters-in-law, Susan Gray of Missouri, Debbie Gray of Missouri, Rita Smith of Vandalia, and Janice Gray of Wood River; brother-in-law, Glen Gray of Wood River. Preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Cindy Smith; one brother, Galen Smith; and one brother-in-law, Laren Gray. As a child David started attending Zion General Baptist church in East Alton that became the 1st General Baptist Church in East Alton where he was a deacon for 28 years, youth leader, bus driver, Sunday School Superintendent, sang with the praise team as well as singing solos. The church is now 1st Family Church . Visitation: 10 a.m. until service time of 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 1st Family Church in East Alton with Rev. Mike Vaughn to officiate. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to 1st Family Church in East Alton. Condolences at www.grayfuneralhomeinc.com