Meet Don Smith of Oaks at Hampton

Born in Sargent Branch, Kentucky, Don Smith (and his 3 brothers & 2 sisters) grew up farming corn, beans, wheat and milking cows.  After WWII the family moved to Ohio where Don’s father and uncle began working in the steel industry.  Don found that he had an affinity for this business – perhaps because steel is durable, strong and adaptable (a lot like Don). A proud Veteran Don served a total of 6 years in the Army and Ohio National Guard. In 1966, Don married the love of his life, Karen, and started their beautiful family (2 sons and 2 daughters).  After his father retired Don took over his position with U.S. Steel. After 21 years he decided to obtain his General Contractor’s License & strike out on his own.  

During the course of his career, Don has met, worked with, and become friends with many fascinating people including Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire (for whom he built a barn).  Don and Karen even met (and became close friends with) Loretta Lynn.  Don and his company constructed warehouses, mini-warehouses, churches, gun ranges, and other buildings. As a man of faith, he especially enjoyed constructing the churches (mostly Baptist and Pentecostal) but he also particularly enjoyed building the gun ranges and indoor recreational facilities.  His work was exemplary – he was respected and extremely successful. He and Karen enjoyed traveling and did so often (cruises were a favorite and they also loved Hawaii as well as France, Germany and England).

Shortly after Karen went to be with The Lord, Don joined the Oaks at Hampton family in December 2022.  A natural leader and a people magnet, Don jumped right in and got involved.  He serves as Resident Council President, Postmaster, AND he leads our Woodworking Club (who constructed three huge, beautiful crosses as our Easter project this year and is currently building and finishing a perfectly crafted raised garden.

Don’s favorite mantra is, “Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way”.  There is no doubt that he is a servant leader. He deeply cares about others, and it shows in everything he does and says – every single day.

Don Smith is truly a man for all seasons.  There is very little he hasn’t done or can’t do – and he continues to wear multiple hats as he serves his fellow residents at the Oaks at Hampton.