Daniel Whayne Smalley

Daniel “Danny” Whayne Smalley, age 36, of Port Orchard, passed away on November 23, 2023, surrounded by his family after a 7-year battle with Lung Cancer.

Danny was born on July 19, 1987, to Linda and Ernie Smalley in Charleston, SC. He moved to Bremerton in 1993 after his mom, Linda, accepted a job as a Machinist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and transferred from Charleston Naval Shipyard. After Danny graduated from Bremerton High School in 2005, he went on to continue playing his favorite sport, baseball, at Olympic College.

After college, he worked at PSNS as a Rigger following in his mom’s footsteps. He worked there for the next 9 years, 11 months, and 18 days before he medically retired to continue his battle. He was still bitter about falling short of his 10 years. He always joked the company should have rounded up on his retirement plaque. In the yard he was known as the go-to guy for rigging. He was a mentor to many and never passed up an opportunity to help someone. He took pride in his work and he wanted others to excel. Even on his bad days, he was a light to others and fun to be around. His sense of humor made him approachable and well respected allowing him to be a great leader to his coworkers. He was the most tenacious man in work, and in life.

Friends and family will be the first to tell you his smile and laugh could instantly light a room up. He had a contagious energy about him that could cheer up anyone. He was the funniest person and had a natural ability to get others to laugh. He was very strong willed and a protector, especially of those he loved. He was always up for a BBQ, yard games, half rubber game, golfing, softball, watching movies and quality time with his friends and family. He was a lover of all things sports, especially the Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies. The last 10 years, he traveled with friends and family, checking MLB stadiums off his bucket list, while also attending NFL and NBA games when it aligned.
Danny is survived by his mom Linda Smalley, sisters Michelle Raphael and Jenn Davis, niece Lena Whayne, nephew Carter Davis, and great niece Madison Whayne-Grimes. He is preceded in death by his dad Ernie Smalley, paternal grandparents Earl Sr. and Dolores Smalley, maternal grandparents Wilbur and Eleanor Whayne, and brother-in-law Mitch Raphael.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Bremerton on December 30, 2023, at 12:00 pm. Please come casual in your favorite Mariners, Seahawks, or Huskies attire. This will be a potluck style event so please bring a dish to share and celebrate the impact Danny had on his village. #Dannystrong