Daryl Eugene Smith was born June 29, 1948 in Greensboro, NC. He was the second son of Harlen Smith & Inez Brown Smith. Daryl completed the public schools and graduated from J.B. Dudley Sr. High School in Greensboro. He continued his education at North Carolina A&T University where he majored in Journalism and English. He also attended Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He served as a News Editor for Greensboro Daily News. On July 5, 1966, Daryl joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served on active duty until November 30, 1967 and received an Honorable Discharge. He worked as a Deli Manager for the Kroger Corporation until his health began to weaken.

At an early age, Daryl joined the St. Stephens Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. After moving to Atlanta, GA in the 1980’s, he joined the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

In the 1960’s, Daryl actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement to help fight inequality and discrimination. In 2005, Daryl’s name was added to the Wall of Tolerance adjacent to the Civil Rights Museum in Montgomery, AL. The ‘Wall’ honors those who take a personal, public stand against hate, injustice and intolerance.

Daryl Smith is preceded in death by his brothers Harlen Smith and Bryce Smith. Daryl leaves to cherish his memories a loving, caring and devoted wife, Ella Smith; sons, Darian Smith, Shawn Smith, and Shannon Smith, of Greensboro, NC; and Leonardo Smith, of Atlanta, GA; daughters, Chakita Bright and Tiffany Smith , of Atlanta, GA; mother, Inez Robinson, Atlanta; sister, Inett Lindley, Atlanta; seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.