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David McCord Smythe

FUNERAL HOME

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway

Charleston, South Carolina

UPCOMING SERVICE

Funeral Service

Dec. 2, 2025

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Michael's Church

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David Smythe Obituary

David McCord Smythe CHARLESTON - David McCord Smythe, husband of Ruth Conway Smythe, entered into eternal rest on the evening of November 12, 2025, at home surrounded by family and friends. Mr. Smythe was born March 14, 1953 in Charleston, SC, the son of Henry Buist Smythe and Mary Helena Catherine Ridgway Smythe. He was a graduate of Virginia Episcopal School and Wofford College. He married the love of his life, Ruthie, on April 24, 1982 in Charleston, SC. He was a retired commercial Real Estate Broker. He was member of St. Michael's Church, where he served on the vestry. David was a founding member of the Charleston Rotary- Breakfast Club, where he was a past president and recipient of numerous Paul Harris Fellow Awards. He was a member of the Society for the Preservation of Spirituals (Past President), St. Cecilia Society, Carolina Plantation Society, Ancient Artillery Society, St. George's Society, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Carolina Yacht Club, Albermarle Supper Club and the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors. He was an honorary member of the St. Michael's Church Flower Guild and a retired member of the Charleston Men's Chorus. He was predeceased by his parents, Tigger and Henry Smythe, eldest brother, Guy Ridgway Smythe and his granddaughter, Eleanor Sobieszczyk. He is survived by his wife, Ruthie and his two children, David McCord Smythe, Jr. (Hunter) and Catherine Elizabeth Smythe Sobieszczyk (Troy), all of Charleston, SC. In addition, he is survived by his two brothers, Henry Buist Smythe, Jr. (Susu) and George Buist Smythe (Therese), all of Charleston, SC; sister of the heart, Patsy Richburg; and 4 granddaughters, Tucker Louise Smythe, Adaline June Sobieszczyk, Peyton Elizabeth McCord Smythe, and Sofia Isabelle Sobieszczyk, who affectionately called him "Granfer"; numerous nieces, nephews, and dear cousins. The funeral will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at eleven o'clock, in the morning at St. Michael's Church at the corner of Meeting and Broad Streets, followed by interment in the churchyard. Memorials may be made to St. Michael's Church Flower Guild 71 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401 and Respite Care Charleston 1605 Harbor View Rd., Charleston, SC 29412. Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston (843) 766-1365.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2025.

Memorial Events
for David Smythe

Dec

2

Funeral service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Michael's Church

71 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

Memories and Condolences
for David Smythe

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation.

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2 Entries

Anne P Read

Yesterday

Ruthie, so sorry to hear. David was a nice guy. My prayers are with you and your girls.

Riddell Perry

Yesterday

I am sorry for the loss in the family. David was a pillar of the community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and their friends at this difficult time.

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