Tony Donnell Smith
December 1, 1943 ~ July 14, 2026
Born in:
Atlanta, Georgia
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailAfter a courageous battle with cancer, Tony Donnell Smith, 82, passed away July 14, 2026, at Mission Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Freida; his son, Nathan Smith (Sarah Jean Couture); and his grandchildren, Oakley and Vivien.
Becoming a United States Marine at the age of seventeen, he began a career in journalism encompassing news reporting and editing while attending UNC-A through the GI Bill. Tony worked at local marketing agencies in downtown Asheville before joining the reception staff at the Biltmore Estate.
His greatest joy was sharing the wonders of nature with his family and friends through his writing, photography, and gardening. He especially enjoyed wildflower identification. He pursued his passions of restoring classic cars and military modeling as well. He found adventure sailing with close friends and traveling to New Zealand where his son lived for a time.
Tony was a dedicated student of history, a loyal husband, and a steadfast father and friend. His family will miss his warmth, humor, and kindness.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Freida,I offer you my sincere sympathy. I met you and Tony at Warren Wilson. I always admired Tony for his wisdom and his warm,kind attitude. I pray you find comfort in sweet memories of Tony.
Thinking about all of you.
So very sorry. You are in our hearts.
Tony was my dearest friend in Asheville. Having known him for over 40 years was one of the true joys of my life. We were always able to find great pleasure from the smallest things, talking cars, cutting wood, going to Taco Bell or sitting at the pool talking WW ll and Civil War history. No matter the subject, Tony had an informed opinion. I learned so much from him. He will leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Freida, Nathan and family, the loss is huge but there are so many wonderful memories.
Bill
Charlie and I send our deepest condolences to you, Freida, and your family. We always enjoyed you and Tony when we had a chance to socialize or break bread together with mutual friends. He had some great stories and a wonderful voice. May you all find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Tony was a very special person. He once sent me a letter that was so touching that I framed it and keep it in our family room. He will be missed.
So many above have expressed their thoughts and memories better than I ever could.
Tony and I went to High School together and both our dads were Navy Vets of WWII.
That is mostly what we talked about over all these years. Our 65th Class Reunion was
just this past May, I was so hopping he would be able to attend alas it wasn’t to be.
He was missed by all of us. Blessings to Freida and all the family
So sorry to read this. Glad Tony and exchanged emails a few years back. He wrote of his battle with cancer. We all loved Tony in high school. A friend to many. Condolences to Frieda, Nathan, and family at this sad time. It’s remarkable to read of his family and life since highschool.