* NOTE: In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution in Denzel's name to Extra Special People (ESP),
https://extraspecialpeople.kindful.com/
189 VFW Dr., Watkinsville, GA 30677
706-769-9333
* NOTE: The family may or may not be present during the visitation at the funeral home.
Denzel Robert Smith transcended this earthly world to behold the presence of Jesus Thursday morning, November 14, 2019. He was the youngest son of both of his departed parents, Ms. Thomasene Anita Smith and Mr. Willie Robert Smith. Born May 11, 1990, in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, Denzel was affectionately known by numerous playful aliases: Bruce Wayne; Batman; Baby D; Preacher Man; PotLuck; Brother. Denzel was raised in Athens, Georgia in an extended household that included, in addition to his mother, his loving grandmother, Lucile Jackson Smith and his grandaunt Beulah Adams.
After his mother’s demise in 2012, Denzel lived under the care and guardianship of two amazing couples who had grown to love him and his mom through their fellowship at the Athens Church of Christ (ACOC, Watkinsville), a Christian affiliation that followed his time as a small child at the First AME Church (Athens). Steve and Rachele Gibson, and Terry and Cricket Morrow, graciously and generously integrated Denzel into their families and lives.
Denzel attend Clarke County schools and is an alumnus of Clarke Central High School where he garnered recognition for “wailing away on that bass drum.” At The ACOC he was lauded for “passionately rocking the tambourine to any tune.” In his earlier years, perhaps in support of his brother, he was a Yellow Jackets fan. When he became more discerning, his loyalties shifted to the Georgia Bulldogs; he also backed several professional teams. Denzel, through his participation with Extra Special People (ESP) also led as a swimmer, bowler, dancer, and performer. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to sunny places and, of course, Disney World.
However, Denzel’s greatest devotion was to his church, family, host family, friends, and employers. He loved inspiring all to live a life in Christ. He was always blessing others with his big smiles, hugs, and confidence. His life is a legacy of love.
Denzel leaves a host of family and friends to cherish his memory: his loving guardians, Terry and Cricket Morrow (Athens, GA); a brother, Justin Williams (Woodland Hills, CA); two aunts, Angel Smith (Stockbridge, GA) and Michelle Hayes (Douglasville, GA); an Uncle, Michael V. Smith, MD (Tiffany Robinson-Smith, MD, Atlanta, Georgia); first cousins, Ashley V. (Los Angeles, CA), F. Houston (Hapeville,GA), and Christopher E. Hayes (Atlanta, GA) as well as many more.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Denzel Robert Smith, please visit our Tree Store.