New Cumberland, WV.

On Friday evening, November 17, the entire community suffered the loss of an outstanding husband, father, son, brother, coach, and educator. Douglas Smith, 48 years old, who was raised in Newell and now resided in New Cumberland, died suddenly in the emergency room at the Weirton Medical Center after becoming ill at his home.

Doug was a model teacher who was able to connect with his students on a level of trust, caring, and understanding that was second to none. He loved his students and they loved him. He taught and coached at the Oak Glen Middle School for several years. There, he coached Football, Basketball, and Track. He also coached baseball and football at the high school. Upon graduation from Oak Glen High School, he attended West Virginia University where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. Like most people who graduated from WVU, Doug was a huge West Virginia fan. Doug’s son Luke has awesome memories of his dad helping coach his youth baseball and basketball teams. In addition to his being a great WVU and Pirate fan, Doug was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he was a Presbyterian by faith.

Born in East Liverpool on February 9. 1969, Doug was one of four children born to Ruth Ross Smith of Newell and the late Ronald Smith.

 Devastated more than anyone by his loss is his wife, Julie Angle Smith, his son, Luke and daughter Lauren; his mom Ruth, his sister, Leah Rae (Ron) Pieronek of Newell, his twin brother, David (LaDonna) Smith, his brother, Greg of East Liverpool; and his in-laws, Charles and Joyce Angle of Chester. Also, Doug leaves his best buddy, his dog Tyrus; several nieces and nephews; many close friends, and several close co-workers.

Friends are invited to visit with Doug’s family at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. Rev’s Mark Wilds and Frank Lewis will conduct services at the funeral home on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens in Newell.

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