Del Smith-’55 National Volleyball Champ sucumbs iat 81

Delbert,  (“D.W.”)  Worsley Smith died October 3, 2010 in Palm Desert at age 81. Del was a close friend of the late Jack Haley and his wife Jeanette, also Seal Beachers Ken and Libby Applegate, Nancy Shook, Madeline McNab, Chi Kredell and Bob “Ole” Olson.

He was born June 12, 1929 in Huntington Park to Delbert & Viola Smith. In the ’30s his folks moved the family to Norwalk.   “D.W.” as his friends called him,  attended local schools including Excelsior High School where he played basketball and other sports but upon graduation he quickly found his way to Belmont Shore and Seal Beach.  An outstanding beach volleyball player he moved up to national prominence and in 1955  was a member of the U.S. National Volleyball Championship team.

He had three brothers, Robert, George, and Donald, all deceased. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Along with volleyball, his favorite sports were surfing, sailing and golf.  “Ole” and Jack Haley both had custom longboards created for their friend.  As a result of his long time spent overseas he came home a champion dart and billiard player.

His entire working career was spent with Douglas Aircraft, then McDonnel-Douglas finally Boeing Aircraft. His first assignment was as a draftsman at age 18. Del worked his way up to Senior Field Services Representative and spent his career traveling the world and living in exotic places like Turkey, Japan, France, England, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Finland, Indonesia and Portugal. At age 72 he faced mandatory retirement and left Boeing after 54 years. At the time he was the longest “hire” in Boeing history.

Del spent the remainder of his days at Palm Desert Greens Country Club playing golf and telling stories of his worldwide travels and reciting (and demonstrating) Ogden Nash limericks.

He touched many hearts with his kindness and GENEROSITY and will be be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial celebration to be determined. Contact wilm@562media.com or 562-244-1116