David Trent Smith — a teacher to thousands, a coach to so many, and a friend to all — died December 17, 2025, at his home in Mooresville, N.C., surround by his loving wife and two devoted children. He was 67.
Born March 28, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John J Smith and Anet Nadasdi, Trent was a free spirit and an independent adventurer from the start, from his early days exploring and terrorizing his neighborhood, by bicycle (with brother Ken at his side), to marrying the love of his life Gina K McGill and heading west to Colorado. Trent loved meeting people, making new friends, embracing new experiences, and soaking up all the world had to offer. He was happiest fishing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, running Marathons, playing/coaching baseball and cross country, talking history, and listening to good music over a cold beer. His place of peace, and heaven on earth, was a place where family, fishing, and the serenity of a waterside retreat all came together.
Educated at Manchester High School, Miami University, Akron University, and Old Dominion University, Trent was not only a very wise man but one who was thoughtful and compassionate. His career in teaching and coaching spanned the country. He and Gina started their adventure moving west to Colorado, soon after marriage, in 1981. From there they moved to Plainville, Kan., where they coached, taught, and had son Cole before heading east to Portsmouth, Va. Virginia welcomed Trent and Gina with their daughter Serena. Here Trent taught and coached at both Craddock and Norcom high schools. The family then relocated to Kannapolis, N.C., before finally settling in Mooresville, N.C. The bulk of Trent’s career was at Central Cabarrus High School, where he coached Cross Country and JV Baseball, before concluding at Mount Pleasant High School. Throughout his travels and professional journey, Trent, or just simply “Coach”, provided not only education and mentorship to his students and athletes, but at times the fatherly love and advice for so many that did not have it at home. His greatest joy was seeing his students and athletes succeed, achieve their aspirations, and excel in their lives.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor and inappropriate jokes, wildly entertaining stories, dedication to his family, love of his players and students, and most certainly a Legendary Fu Manchu.
In his final year of life, his love and heart showed the greatest. His actions and words, when life was in doubt, remained constant and true. He worried and cared about others, proclaimed the importance of family and time together, embraced what life had left to offer, and led from the front with dignity and grace. His final months were a high note to a very rich and beautiful song, his final melody was that of sage advice, warm embraces, loving words, and a resolute strength … in the end a summary and reminder of what he was all along.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring wife Gina K Smith; children Cole Smith and Serena Ridenhour; his five grandchildren; brother Ken Smith; and sister Karen Plicka.
The family wishes to thank all the Medical Staff and Hospice Nurses for their kind work, friends and neighbors for all they did to support Trent and Gina in their most trying times, and all the visits and prayers of support and love that were extended.
We would like to invite all that would like to attend Trent’s Celebration of Life on January 3, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Vista at Walnut Hill. There will be a brief service at 2 p.m. followed by a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Smith family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.