Welcome
COUNTING STARS RANCH Veteran and 1st Responder Non-profit
Building bonds and helping heroes.....We hold monthly outdoor retreats for disabled veterans and 1st responders
David Wayne Smithers 5/21/1969 - 6/26/2024
Obituary
David Wayne Smithers gained his wings and went to be with the Lord on June 25th, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend. David was the founder of Counting Stars Ranch, a non-profit that supports veterans and first responders in finding healing and connection in the Piney Woods of East Texas. He loved to share the peace, solitude, and wonder of their farm with anyone who needed a little R&R.
It is here, at the farm, that David himself found peace and healing from his life's many sufferings. It is here that David found community and friendship in many God-fearing and servant-hearted people throughout East Texas. It is here that he served local and regional first responders, veterans, and their families, alongside his beloved wife, Vicki. It is here, at the farm, he entertained hundreds of family and friends with his joy of life, various hobbies, and generous hospitality. It is here that he walked nurmerous miles of trails and swam innumerable laps in the pond. It is here that David wrestled with God, was mentored by such loving spiritual fathers, and cried out to God, proclaiming Him as Lord and Savior over his life. It is here, too, the David passed away while out for a swim, in the very waters he was baptized in just a year prior.
David leaves behind his wife, Victoria "Vicki", his children Ryan & Tegan, and Rachel & Nathan, his grandchildren Fabian and Josiah. He also leaves behind his mother, Maryann Smithers, and father, Paul Smithers; his siblings Mark & Dee Smithers, Lisa & Rich Huang, and Lisa Kepins. He is remembered also by his in-laws, many neices and nephews, his cousins, and his many friends throughout the world. He is proceeded in death by his sister, Michelle Ciaravino, and his grandmother, Jannetta Smithers.
While we grieve deeply the loss of our husband and father, we rejoice too knowing that David knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. We rejoice in the hope of the resurrection and the life of the age to come.
We will be hosting a celebration of life service Saturday morning, July 13th, at 9am at Counting Stars Ranch. All are welcome to join us to remember David. A light brunch will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, we ask all who are able to make a monetary donation to Counting Stars Ranch in David's honor.
GoFundMe Fundraiser in David's Honor
Honoring David Smithers - Support Counting Stars Ranch
Counting Stars Ranch was a dream come true for David and we want to honor him by continuing to serve veterans and first responders. Please help us to do this by donating any amount.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide military veterans/1st responders and their service dog support and a peaceful place to rest, relax and renew at our BnB. We host free family R&R weekend getaways once a month to a military veteran or first responder-with service related disability. Service dogs are welcome.
See You Last Sunday
Monthly Support Group
Veteran and 1st Responders
Veteran and 1st Responders
The last Sunday of the month from 2-6 PM
we have a support group for Veterans and 1st Responders-family welcome
Meal provided
Games, hiking and fishing
Veteran and 1st Responders
Veteran and 1st Responders
Veteran and 1st Responders
Come join us for See You Last Sunday
Make new friends and find out about local veteran resources and organizations
Bed & Breakfast
At Counting Stars Cabins we offer a beautiful 3 bedroom log cabin, 1 bedroom cabin with loft and cozy 3 bed bunkroom on our 152-acre farm in the Piney Woods of east Texas. When we are not using the cabins for a veterans retreat they are available to the public for rent . Go to Page 3 for details