David Lamont Smalls Jr.

Celebrating the Life of

David Lamont Smalls Jr. “D.L.”

David Lamont Smalls Jr. (42), affectionately known as D.L., was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on August 29, 1981. He spent his early years on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, before relocating to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he graduated from Southwest High School in 1999. Post graduation, D.L. spent 4 years in the US Army as a Small Arms Repairer. While deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he found his true passion as an expert shooter and safety trainer. After serving, D.L. moved to San Diego, California, where he became a certified Gemologist. He then went on to work for Glock for 10 years, starting in Atlanta, Georgia, where his talents earned him a promotion to West Coast Regional Sales Manager, relocating him to Mesa, Arizona. He would then spend time in Fredericksburg, VA, before heading back home to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he fought his biggest battle - against cancer. After his diagnosis, God blessed him with two miraculous years, allowing him to enjoy the things that were meaningful to him and to spend time with those he loved. 

D.L. loved music, video games, baseball games, and the shooting range. He loved connecting with nature and walking on the beach. Above all, he loved his family. His smile was infectious, and his spirit was such a bright light. 

On December 22, 2023, this beautiful soul was called home by the Lord to take his rest. He fought a good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith. 

He is survived by his mother: Kelly A. Fitzgerald (William), father: David L. Smalls Sr., sisters: Sherrea S. Sampson (David), and Hannah A. Fitzgerald, nieces: Amireeh S. Fripp and Shamir A. Fripp, nephews: Justin D. Wade and Grant V. Kornegay, grandnephew: Peace C.C. Fripp, maternal grandmother: Pearl A. Parrot, a host of aunts, uncles, very close cousins, and his beloved cats. 

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