David M. Smith, Sr., age 88, of North Canton, passed away surrounded by his wife and children on July 30, 2024.

Son of the late Floyd and Muriel (Hurst) Smith, Dave was born and raised in Flushing, Michigan. After receiving his Bachelor of Engineering degree from General Motors Institute in nearby Flint, Michigan, Dave dedicated 20 years to the automotive industry working at the Ternstedt Manufacturing Division of GM's Fisher Body.

He relocated to Medina, Ohio in 1966 after being transferred to Cleveland then Elyria Fisher Body plants. He and wife Jo enjoyed riding motorcycles, and in 1976, Dave fulfilled his dream of owning a Harley-Davidson dealership when he and Jo opened Freedom Harley-Davidson in Massillon, Ohio. They moved the dealership to North Canton in 1998, and their entrepreneurial spirit and passion was the driving force behind their success. Through the years, Dave and Jo were committed supporters of the local community, sponsoring and hosting many fundraising events including charitable poker runs and many events for MDA. Freedom Harley-Davidson was the sponsoring dealer of the Stark County Harley Owners Group (HOG) notable for being the 2nd oldest HOG club in the United States!

Dave was a private pilot and owned a number of planes over the years. He especially enjoyed flying to motorcycle drag racing events. He had a passion for restoring old Harleys and Cushman scooters with his friend Smitty and driving his 1965 GTO convertible. He and Jo also enjoyed traveling and spent many happy hours together visiting friends and family.

Preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Muriel (Hurst) Smith, son David "Chip" Smith, sister, Sharon Krueger, granddaughter, Melissa Cason, and his dog, Peppy, Dave is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo (Varacalli) Smith; sons, Richard (Pamela Simmons) Cearfoss, Scott (Linda Highben) Smith, Paul (Krista) Smith; daughter, Kathy Hartmann; grandchildren, David, Adam, Michele, Richard, Foss Mann, Slick Nick, Amy, Tina, Kaeli, Alexandra, Emma, and several great-grandchildren.

Dave was the 'real deal' and was never one to be told how to do things.  His laughter was contagious and he touched the lives of many.

In celebration of a life well lived, visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 5 pm to 8 pm followed by the funeral service on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11 am at Heitger Funeral Home - Jackson Chapel, 5850 Wales Ave. N.W., Massillon.

Burial will follow at North Canton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stark County Humane Society, P.O. Box 7077, Canton, Ohio 44705.

Stark County Humane Society
PO Box 7077, Canton OH 44705-7077
Tel: 1-330-453-5529
Web: http://www.starkhumane.org