During the Requiem Eucharist for the Rt. Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith on Nov. 11 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, pointed out that everyone in attendance, regardless of position or responsibility, was there for the same reason: their love for the beloved bishop and faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, said the opening anthem for the service. The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, former bishop of the Diocese of Chicago and former bishop provisional of the Diocese of Milwaukee, preached. The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, 27th presiding bishop (retired), presided. More than 25 diocesan bishops from across the country attended. More than 150 additional clergy processed. And 70 family members were among the approximately 575 honored guests.

More than 575 honored guests filled the Cathedral for the service celebrating Bishop Smith’s life. | PHOTO: Stephanie Gamble

“Love was the driving force of Dabney’s life, and over love, death has no ultimate power. … Ultimately, we’re singing alleluia because heaven, God in Christ, the new life of grace, was already a reality in Dabney’s life [long] before the day of his death,” Lee, Smith”s longtime friend and seminary classmate, said in his sermon. “Dabney didn’t have to wait to meet Jesus. Jesus already met him.”

Smith, who retired as fifth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida in December 2022 and served the Diocese of Central Florida as assisting bishop since January 2024, died on Oct. 26 at age 70 of acute myeloid leukemia.

“Though with us only nine months, his wisdom, faith and tender-hearted care left an indelible mark on me, our diocesan staff, and all those he ministered to,” Holcomb wrote in a letter announcing Smith’s death. “Personally, I grieve the loss of a mentor and friend.”

“His deep faith, practical wisdom, and lighthearted sense of humor were a blessing to all who knew him, and his steady leadership guided our diocese through many challenges,” said the Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf, sixth bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, of his predecessor.

Smith, born in Texas, grew up in Florida, where his father, the Rev. Dorsey Smith, was rector of St. James, Ormond Beach, and St. John’s, Tampa. He graduated from the University of South Florida, Tampa, earning a Master of Divinity from Nashotah House in 1987 and a Doctor of Ministry from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1999. He was a candidate for presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church in 2015 and served on the church’s Executive Council.

Former Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry prays with the altar party while presiding over Holy Eucharist. | PHOTO: Stephanie Gamble

He served briefly as bishop coadjutor before his episcopacy and held various church positions, including rector of Trinity Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2005-2007; rector of Holy Trinity, Melbourne, 1998-2004; rector of St. Michael and All Angels, South Bend, Indiana, 1989-1998; and assistant at Grace, Port Orange, 1987-1989.

Smith was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mary Ellen Krieg Smith, and a brother, David L. Smith. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wallis Smith; two daughters, the Rev. Ashton (Joseph) Williston and Alicia (Jeffrey) Caputo; son, Dabney (Janet) Smith II; stepdaughter, Megan (Mark) Riherd; stepson, Ben Wallis; and 11 grandchildren ranging in age from 2 to 20. His brother, Dorsey Smith; two sisters, Deborah Ryniker and Donna Hille; sisters-in-law, Alison Smith and Kathleen Smith; brothers-in-law, Doug Ryniker and Richard Hille; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Episcopal Charities Fund of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, DaySpring Endowment Fund or the Mary Ellen Smith Memorial Endowment Fund, 8005 25th Street East, Parrish, FL, 34219 or click here to donate online.