Damon Charles Smith

God, who guides each of our journeys, in His sacred wisdom, stopped by on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, and gave our beloved DAMON CHARLES SMITH his ticket home to glory. Born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Milton and Serena Smith, the youngest of four children, he brought light and laughter into the Smith household. Christened as a child at Douglas Memorial Community Church where he later cooked for Meals on Wheels under the leadership of his mother, Serena. Damon used his God-given voice to bless the community through the Coed Chorale, singing in three languages under the direction of one of Baltimore’s most beloved musical legends, the late Margaret Lindsey-Johnson. He also played the piano, often filling the room with melody and joy. A proud graduate of Forest Park High School, Class of 1974, Damon earned his Sr. Lifesaving Card through the YMCA on Druid Hill Avenue during those formative years. He went on to attend Bowie State and spent decades coaching basketball at Coppin State, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, and the Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL). Coach Damon was a teacher of the game and a builder of young men. His teams played up and down the East Coast. His passion for the game was unmatched. March Madness, Sweet 16, NBA playoffs—if it was on, he was watching, analyzing, and coaching from the couch. Coach Damon didn’t just teach skills; he taught life. Discipline, hustle, teamwork, and heart—he poured it all into his players. Fat Mickey, as he was affectionately known, spent most of his career as a cook, and in the kitchen, he was a legend. Frying chicken like his father taught him, Mickey cooked for the family and the community. Whether it was a big event or a quiet Sunday, you could find him by the stove, laughing, tasting, and feeding anyone who came by. It wasn’t just food, it was love, served hot. Unc was always on the move. Picking up nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and neighborhood kids from school, games, work, wherever they needed to go. He was the ride, no questions asked. He made sure the young people in his life were cared for and looked after. In recent years, you could count on him to call, daily, weekly or monthly, just to check in. He was loyal, present, and always thinking of others. A man of deep loyalty, loud laughter, and quiet gestures of care. He didn’t need a spotlight; his consistent spotlight spoke for itself. He taught us to show up, to call, to check in, and most of all, to love deeply. Our beloved is now singing in the heavenly choir, coaching with the angels, and frying chicken for the saints. We thank God for the life he lived, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind. Damon was preceded in death by his older sister Wanda Little and older brother, Dexter Smith. He leaves behind a loving circle of family and friends who will carry his memory forward with every laugh and every story: his sister, Donna S. M. Dean; “special” sister, Tammi A. Noel; two nieces, Charmayne Turner (Andre) and Christina Copes (Tavon); nephew, Gerald Dean; Aunt, Agnes Sears; uncle, Melvin Smith (Eleanor); “special nieces and nephews,” Tierah Noel, Trae Noel, Tiah Noel, Rasheed Grady and Tyshaad Jackson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Damon Charles Smith

March 22, 1956 - May 28, 2025