Daniel Rudolph Smith, Sr.

Daniel R. Smith passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by the love of his family.
Dan, born February 25, 1934, in Nichols, SC, was the son of the late George Owen Smith Sr. and LaVinia Brown Smith. In 1950, his family moved to Crescent Beach, SC, where he would build a legacy of hard work, faith, family, and community.
After graduating from Wampee High School in 1952, he attended Clemson University and later studied at a branch campus of the College of Charleston. He proudly served in the United States Army before returning home to build his family and businesses, which he founded alongside his twin brother, Don Smith: Windy Hill Hardware and Laundromat and Tropicasual Furniture.
Although Dan enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting in his younger years, Windy Hill Hardware became the place he loved most. It wasn’t just where he worked; it was the place where he’d gather with friends, share laughter, and welcome customers who would become lifelong friends.
Those who knew Dan know he had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. Beneath his charming humor, he carried himself with quiet, stoic strength.
He was dependable, steadfast, and a man of deep conviction whose actions spoke louder than words.
He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church for many years, where his faith remained an important part of his life. Alongside his father, he helped physically build the church, leaving a legacy of faith and service that stood as a source of pride throughout his life.
Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ida Ruth Smith; his sister, Miriam Arledge; his brothers, George “Bubba” Owen Smith Jr., Douglas Smith, Edward Smith, William “Billy” Smith, and his twin brother, Donald R. Smith; his great-grandson, Cooper Michael Smith; and his special family friend, Mettie Monroe of Ash, NC.
Cherishing his memory are his three children, Dawn Smith, Lynne Smith (companion Steve Bruder), and Daniel R. Smith II (Missy), all of North Myrtle Beach; seven grandchildren, Valerie (Ryan) Croke of Atlanta, GA, Tristan Gause, Daniel (Nicky) Smith of Durham, NC, Kyle (Hunter) Smith, Drew (McKenzie) Smith, Chance (Olivia) Smith, and Zane Smith; honorary granddaughter, Stephanie Diehl. He has 10 great- grandchildren, with one on the way, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of North Myrtle Beach, 200 Hwy. 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of North Myrtle Beach, First Baptist Child Development Center of North Myrtle Beach, or Samaritan's Purse in honor of Dan’s memory.

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