The Gift of God is Eternal Life

January 27, 2009

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

W. Davis Smoot, Midwest Director of Development, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face on Jan. 28 after a month long illness. The Westminster family offers our sincerest sympathy to the loved ones of Davis, especially Elaine, his wife of 45 years, their three children and four grandchildren. Please join us in praying for them. 

Davis was the consummate professional, an attorney by trade and an estate planner sensitive to the fiscal and spiritual needs of each person with whom he worked. It was a privilege to serve the Lord with him. He will be greatly missed.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want...Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psa. 23:1,4 - NKJ).

W. Davis Smoot brought over 40 years of experience to Westminster working in the private sector with a specialty in Law, Charitable Estate Planning and Major Gift administration.  His service was evident as Regional Director of Estate Planning for the American Bible Society (NY), Director of Charitable Estate Planning for Geneva College (PA) and Director of Planned Giving for the Northwestern United States for Wycliffe Bible Translators (CA).

Davis was active as a legal advisor to Christian institutions and organizations, an accomplished lecturer for the Christian Management Association and a member of the Forum for Evangelical Corporate Concerns.

As a Development officer, specializing in Estate work, Davis was described as, "One of the most informed and profound sources of estate planning practice in a Christian academic institution!"

We at Westminster Theological Seminary will miss Dave as will those with whom he has worked in the field. We thank the Lord for privileging us to serve with Davis.  He will be greatly missed.