Darrell Smith Jr

Obituary of Darrell Dann Smith Jr

The final checkered flag was flown for Darrell Dann “Danny” Smith Jr. on Sunday, January 9, 2022. He fought a good race and was valiant to the end, with his family by his side and other family having him in their prayers, as his wife, Bobbie, held his hand until his last breath. His race is over, but the love from family and friends will be forever. Dann, “Danny” was born on July 4, 1949, in Chico, Ca to Darrell “Smitty” and Patricia Smith, who preced- ed him to Heaven. His love of cars began when he was very young, he and his brother, Bill, worked at their father’s shop after school at “Smitty’s Hudson Service.” As he worked at the shop, he caught the excitement of racing and was proud to help prepare cars for drivers. Dann worked beside his Dad pre- paring the race cars, when he was old enough to drive, Earl Baragar let him go into the pitts with him and “mud the cars in” before the races. He soon raced his own car in the super modified division before entering the Army and serving in Germany. Af- ter serving during the Viet Nam conflict, Dann con- tinued his love for racing through the 70’s and worked as a mechanic. To win a race was always exciting, but the real treasure was all the friends he met with after each Friday night’s race at Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway.

During that time, Dann met the love of his life, Bobbie, who has been by his side for over 51 years. They married in June of 1973 and were not only partners in life, raising their children, Pete, Jannette and Tony, but also in business. They began Golden West Truck Repair in Chico in 1995 and made many lifelong friends through the open doors of Dann's Shop while providing a lot of laughter along the way. Dann’s funny little sayings and joking with his grandchildren made him a treasure. They all knew “Papa” would always make things better.

Danny’s race in life slowed when the yellow caution flag waved before him as he fought Dementia as a re- sult of brain cancer. The victory lap is his, though, because he is now with his loved ones gone before him and he can protect his loved ones still here. Dann is survived by his wife, Bobbie of Citrus Heights, Son Pete and wife Jenny of Yreka, Daughter, Jannette and husband, Randy Rhondeau of Cit- rus Heights, Son Tony Smith and wife Carol of Citrus Heights. Dann had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dann will be missed by his siblings: Brother Bill and wife Sherry of Paradise; Sister Lynn Blobner of Lemoore, Sister Patty and husband Dino Radotic of Half Moon Bay and Sister Kimberley Smith of Chico. Viewing will be at Brusie’s Funeral Home in Chico on Monday, January 17th from 10 am -12 noon. Graveside services at Chico Cemetery at 1 pm to be followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Eagles Lodge on 20th and Mulberry in Chico.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darrell Smith Jr, please visit Tribute Store
Monday
17
January

Graveside

1:00 pm
Monday, January 17, 2022
Chico Cemetery
881 Mangrove
Chico, California, United States