David Lloyd Smelley, 77, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
David was born on April 27, 1949, in Ruston, Louisiana, to D. Harold Smelley and Berdiana Vining Carpenter Smelley. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1971 with a degree in Business and from the LSU Law Center in 1974.
David enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning more than fifty years. After earning his law degree from Louisiana State University in 1974, he began his career as one of the earliest law clerks to U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg, serving from 1974 to 1976. He went on to build a highly respected practice in energy, natural resources, and administrative law, ultimately becoming a shareholder and named partner of Hargrove, Smelley & Strickland. Over the course of his career, David represented clients in significant oil and gas matters before Louisiana state and federal courts, including the Louisiana Supreme Court and U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana and as a member of the Louisiana State Law Institute’s Risk Fee Act Committee. Recognized by his peers for both his legal ability and professional ethics, David earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent rating and was selected as a Louisiana Super Lawyer in Energy & Natural Resources for five consecutive years. In 2024, he marked fifty years as a member of the Louisiana State Bar, a fitting milestone in a career defined by intelligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to his profession.
On November 7, 1981, David married his devoted wife, Susan Davis Smelley. Together, they shared 44 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family.
David was quietly dependable, deeply responsible, and unwaveringly honest. A man of great intelligence and integrity, he approached life with a steady, stoic nature and could always be relied upon by those who knew and loved him. Beneath his reserved exterior was a sharp wit that brought laughter to his family and friends.
David was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing in all its forms. Red fishing trips to Venice, Louisiana, were among his favorites. He also treasured time at the family cabin in Natchitoches, where he spent many happy days teaching his grandchildren how to fish. To his grandchildren, he was “Pops,” a name that came to represent his steady presence, patient guidance, and love for his family.
A loyal LSU football fan, David loved tailgating for Tigers games, surrounded by family and friends. He was also deeply fond of his Labrador retriever, Judge, whose faithful companionship brought him great happiness.
David was preceded in death by his parents, D. Harold Smelley and Berdiana Vining Carpenter Smelley.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Davis Smelley; his children, Dr. Christopher Lloyd Smelley and wife Ashley of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Ryan Davis Smelley and wife Amy of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Heather Smelley Rachal and husband John of Stonewall, Louisiana; his beloved grandchildren, Madalyn Elizabeth Smelley, Jackson John Rachal, Frank Christian Smelley, Pierce David Rachal, Davis Peyton Rachal, Harrison Clay Smelley, and Graham Michael Smelley; and his older brother, Allen Watts Carpenter of Ruston, Louisiana.
David will be remembered for his intelligence, integrity, quick wit, and the quiet dependability that defined the way he lived and cared for the people he loved. His steady presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to David M. Abdehou, M.D., Robert C. Hernandez, M.D., the dedicated nurses and CNAs at The Glen Retirement Center, the sitters and staff at Elite Health Solutions and his amazing nurse Sandy Yates for the compassionate care, kindness, and dignity they provided to David.
Visitation will be held on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Ave., Shreveport, La 71104. A celebration of David’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in David’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA.
Geaux Tigers.