David J Smith January 10, 1955 – February 3, 2021 David J. Smith, "Big Dave" was a wonderful man that was loved and cherished by his family and friends. He was a fabulous husband, father, grandfather, brother, and an amazing grill master of steaks and corned beef. Dave was born January 10th, 1955 in Joliet, Illinois. As a young adult he moved to Manhattan Illinois to raise his extremely large family. During this period, he also accomplished being a successful owner of a construction business. As he aged, he retired from the construction business and became the proud owner of Gallagher's Pub with his wife Babe. Through Gallagher's Pub, he made many lifelong friends and supported several local organizations. During his younger years, a man could not walk out of the Pub without arm wrestling him. Everyone knew he loved to antagonize all his friends and shower everyone with his quick wit and humor. One of his favorite festivals was Manhattan Irish Fest which is where he became iconic as the "tallest Leprechaun." He was a man set in his ways and loved every person he met. He always said, "I'm the biggest asshole with a heart of gold." As years have passed, he would spend time golfing and boating. He proudly sponsored and participated in GiGi's Playhouse charities to support his granddaughter. He then decided to spend most of his days at his river house on his boat. His "Looney Tunes" pontoon boat. He claimed it fit his family perfect. He would bask in the sun, enjoying his favorite beverage of Budweiser in one hand and his faithful sidekick Bobo the dog in the other. He loved nothing more than to be with all his children and grandchildren boating. David J. Smith was granted his angel wings on February 3rd, 2021. His final days were spent surrounded by family in his home. Dave is survived by his loving wife Babe Smith; Children Jay (Stacy) Babiarz, Steve (Amanda) Babiarz; Mary (Michael) Kestel; Randy (Nicole) Smith; Crystal (Bill) Horn; Melissa (Steve) Malone, his grandchildren Jacob, Johnathan Babiarz; Tyler Babiarz, Kayleigh Morris; Emily Smith; Paul Kestel; Andrew, Alexis, Mia and Ava Smith; Willow, Hazel, and Maple Horn; Levi and Maebry Malone, his siblings, sisters Eileen Hosang, Pauline Neef and Brother Alan Smith. Proceeded in death by his parents Alva and Viola Smith, son Dusty Smith, grandson Ryan Smith. Visitation: Thursday, February 11, 2021 3:00pm-7:00pm, Funeral service 7:00pm-8:00pm. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, Il 60442. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Gigi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center-Gigisplayhouse.org or to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation-cholangiocarcinoma.org February 11, 2021 – 7:00pm cst To view live stream of Dave's funeral service click on the hot link below. https://www.asimplestreaming.com/djsmith