David Warren Smoot III (Smootie to many) 55, passed unexpectedly of a heart attack on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at his home in Elkins.
Dave will be lovingly remembered by his beloved life partner, Erin Browning; his mother, Sue Ellen Ratliff; his son, Connor; and Connor’s mother, Haley Crawford.
He will be missed by his sweet dogs, Gunnar and Daphne.
He is preceded in death by his father, David Warren Smoot Jr. and Sgt. Major Richard L. Ratliff, the father who raised him. Also survived by three stepsisters, Barbara Harper, Karen Davis and Debbie Ratliff.
Dave was a ski instructor who fulfilled his life-long passion of skiing by teaching people of all ages the sport he enjoyed.
He transported large vehicles, boats and equipment throughout the east coast. He was also a master restorer who saw usefulness in old objects which he patiently worked to bring new life back into. He proudly served his country in the Marine Corps during his early adulthood.
Dave’s devotion as a father was unsurmountable. He had a jovial personality and was deeply charismatic with a mischievous smile, all-knowing Elk River eyes, and all of these traits were passed on to his son Connor. He never met a stranger and had a way of easily connecting with others no matter the circumstances.
He loved the hills of WV and was a steward of the land and water. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and boat captain. He enjoyed adventuring of any sort and had a way of pulling others out of their comfort zone in ways that always made them better. His larger than life personality could take charge of any situation. Dave was unforgettable.
As a devoted supporter of the Special Olympics, he volunteered for their winter games. In more recent years, he volunteered countless hours at the WV Autism Supportive Center. Dave continued to give after his death with wishes for organ donation being his final act of service.
Dave had the uncanny ability to scan the energy of a room. This served everyone well in the time he worked securing bars and music venues to keep people safe. Ironic to his need to keep people safe, he also knew exact risks to take flying down a slope at 100 mph. He was a risk taker that believed wholeheartedly in speed and going fast.
Dave’s personal motto: Love and protect your family with all your heart, embrace life with gusto, keep your head up and go fast.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that contributions be made through a Facebook Fundraiser being established for family/funeral expenses and his son Connor. Please check Dave’s Facebook page for details to come regarding the donations and the Celebration. www.facebook.com/smoot3. An address for any correspondence not happening online is Talbott Frame Shop c/o Erin Browning PO Box 1693 Elkins, WV 26241. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for David Warren Smoot III. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.
