Danny Smith

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Danny Smith was born on January 2, 1955 (71) in Safford, Arizona, to Matthew T. Smith and Opal Austin Smith. Danny passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026.

Danny was raised in Safford, Arizona (Little Hollywood). Danny accepted Christ at an early age where he attended Pilgrim Star Baptist Church (Safford, AZ) as a child. Danny later was baptized and became a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (Phoenix, AZ). Danny was not shy about his love of God! In middle school and high school, Danny was recognized as a multi-athletic star. He graduated from Safford High School (Bulldogs) in 1973 and then attended Arizona State University (Sun Devils). While attending Safford High School, Danny was on the football (defensive back and linebacker), basketball and track team. He took great pride being a Safford Bulldog. His accolades include: Football: 3x letterman and 2x All State Football Team; Basketball: 4-year Letterman, and 2x First Team All-State; Track: 4-year Letterman, 4x State Champion- High Hurdles, 4x State Champion, Low Hurdles, 3x State Champion- High Jump; voted Eastern Arizona Athlete of the Year.

Danny was recruited by Arizona State University (ASU) as a Tight End. On October 17, 2025, Danny was inducted into the 2025 ASU Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame as a player of the 1975 Football Team. The team had a regular and postseason 12-0 record and clinched the Western Athletic Conference Championship, and earned a No. 2 national ranking, the highest in ASU history. The team was the only Division I football program to finish the 1975 season undefeated, and their 7-0 conference record included victories over Utah, Wyoming, and archrival University of Arizona. Also defeating Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, 17-14.

Danny was raised as a member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Mason (3rd degree) of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Danny was known for his kindness, generosity, strength, and humor. Danny also loved karaoke, singing his go-to-to-songs like Stormy Monday, by the Allman Brothers and I Believe in You by Don Williams. He had a deep love for his family and friends. He loved to fire up the barbecue pit, master of ribs. He was taught to cook ribs by his late father-in-law, Elmo Graves. Danny previously worked at Shamrock and Fry’s Warehouse. His last job was as the Maintenance Man for Care and Dignity Services, which was founded by him and his wife, Charlotte Smith. All the members and staff loved Danny and were happy to see him, to make repairs to whatever they broke and/or tore up!

Danny Smith is survived by his wife of 37 years, Charlotte Smith, daughter, Tameka Loyd; three grandchildren: Ronald March Jr., Previn Loyd Jr., Malaki Loyd, one great-grandson: Jeremiah Loyd, all of Phoenix, AZ; Siblings: Albert Smith (Phoenix, AZ.), Terry Smith (Phoenix, AZ.) and Gladys Smith Bradley (Flagstaff, AZ.). Niece: Victoria “Viki” Owens (Keith), (Maryland); Nephew: Erik Smith (Phoenix, AZ) and Bryan Robinson (Nicole) (Phoenix, AZ); Sister-n-law: Pauline Stidum (Safford, AZ), Patricia Chatman (Las Vegas, NV.), and Joyce Graves (Houston, TX.), Brother-n-law: Neal Graves (Phoenix, AZ); Special Friends: Willie Scroggins, Calvin Higgins, Jimmy Washington and Wayne Carter. He also leaves to cherish his memory several great nieces and nephews, four great-great nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Danny will be greatly missed also by his beloved dogs Ghost and Missy.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Matthew and Opal Smith, Brother: Claude Amos Smith, Niece: Latanya Stidum; Brother-n-laws: Tom Bradley, Robert Chatman, and Darryl Graves, Sister-n-law: Stella Graves.

Danny Smith will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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