Daniell J. Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniell Joseph Smith, 31, of Live Oak Farm, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Daniell was born in Kingman, Arizona, but later became a Lowcountry Native. He bounced around a lot in his early years, going back and forth between states along the West Coast to Ridgeland, South Carolina. He finally settled in Ridgeland with his brother Tim Jones (wife Jackie) when he was around 10 years old. After meeting a new neighbor (Cery Pittman), he and Daniell soon became very close friends. Just a few years later, Cery’s parents, Harold and Helen Pittman, chose to adopt Daniell.

Daniell attended Ridgeland High School and later the Academy for Career Excellence (ACE), where he received a diploma for Welding. He worked for South Eastern Services for most of his career. He was an excellent carpenter, with hands that could turn his work into a piece of art. He always took great pride in his work. Each job was completed whole heartedly and to the best of his ability. He could fix anything that was broken. If he didn’t know how to fix it, he would learn quickly! He overcame every obstacle.To quote Daniell, “A jack of all trades, a master of none.”

Daniell was an avid outdoorsman; he could out fish the best of ‘em. His pole would hit the water and he’d caught a fish. During deer season you would find him up a tree stand, bow in hand; and during duck season, you would find him out on the water, in the freezing temperatures, before sunrise with his best buddies. His boat was used not just for duck hunting, but for hitting the river and sandbars during the summer. He loved to make some noise and show out on his ranger with his fiancée and friends. He was fearless in every way, selfless to the extreme, and stubborn to the max. It wasn’t smart to dare Daniell that he wouldn’t do something; because it didn’t matter what it was, he would do it just to prove you wrong. He would help anyone that needed it—no matter the time or the circumstances—he would be there. That was just the person Daniell was.

Daniell chose to build a life with his fiancée, Kristen Cooler, in 2017. Not being a romantic, he made sure to show his love in his own way. He was never big on words, but always big on actions. Their love grew when they were blessed with their daughter, Oaklynn “Oaks” Grace Smith, in the winter of 2019. They were blessed again in the winter of 2023, when Beau Harold Smith came along.

As well as being a great partner to his fiancée, Daniell was a wonderful father, who cherished his children. He took Oaks on countless adventures on the ranger, blaring her favorite song, “Take Me Home Country Roads,” over and over again. He would take her fishing and hunting, and anywhere he went. He was Oaks’ best friend, as she was his.

Daniell was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen Pittman.

Remaining to cherish his memories are his fiancée, Kristen Cooler; daughter, Oaklynn Grace Smith; son, Beau Harold Smith; brothers, Cery Pittman (Kristen), Avery “Uncle Nave” Whitkanack; Tim Jones (Jackie); brother, Chance Jones; best friend/brother, Zac Gaymon(Christina); and best friends, Andrew Floyd (Ashley), Nick Sikes, and Zach Brown (Cassidy).

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at Live Oak Farm, 67 Live Oak Farm Road, Ridgeland.