Danny Gene Smith, 82, entered into this life on January 4th, 1935, in Hubbard, Texas and was escorted by the angels to his eternal home on July 30, 2017 while surrounded by his family at his home in El Cajon. Dan was the only son of John Howard Wood and Evelyn Smith. He grew up in Texas and moved with his family to El Centro in 1956 where he married Lynda McHenry, his beloved wife of the last 58 years. He became a recognized heavy equipment and commercial vehicle operator with the Ryerson Concrete Company. He was a member of both the Teamster's and the International Union of Operating Engineers, retiring from Teamster's Local #542. Dan was an avid sports fan who never lost his love for the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. He had a strong faith, and a passion to share it with others. He was a charter member of the Grace Baptist Church of El Centro where he served as a deacon, S.S. Superintendent, teacher, bus captain, music director, and manager of the church softball team, earning the honor of "Manager of the Year" in 1968. He loved the outdoors, hiking mountain trails in the Lagunas, his beloved dogs and traveling with his family. He passed down to his entire family a love for Mexican food, his favorites being the No. 2 at Camacho's, and the Hamburger Steak Mexican Style at La Hacienda. He was well known for his compassion and generosity toward anyone in need, his life exemplifying them both. He had a deep and genuine love for his family, and at times worked three jobs to enable his wife to stay at home with their children. Dan was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren, who will greatly miss his humor and spontaneous "one-liners." His survivors include his loving and devoted wife Lynda; daughter Dana McCoy and her son Michael Smith; son John Smith, daughter-in-law Kelly Smith. and their children, Amanda Chambliss, Tamara Smith, and Stephen Smith; son Kenneth Smith, daughter-in-law Dawn Smith, and their children Ashley Smith and Caitlin Smith; daughter Dianna McCalmont, son-in law Albert McCalmont, and their children Jennifer McCalmont, Aaron McCalmont, and Kimberly Jaquish. He is also survived by six great grandchildren, sisters Glenda Paradise and Carolyn Edwards, and a host of grieving loved ones. Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Dan's life that will be held in the chapel of the Legacy Funeral Home 7043 University Ave., La Mesa at on Thursday, Aug. 3rd, 2017 with visitation from 9 AM to 11 AM. Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11 AM followed by internment in the El Cajon Cemetery.