Life Reflections

Damone Pernell Smalls

Million $ Man

August 5, 1973 - June 22, 2016

Why, you may ask, the million dollar man? It is because when asked how he was doing, Damone would sometimes respond, "I'm not a millionaire yet."

Damone was a wonderful man who was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. He was an amazing father, brother, son, nephew, cousin and friend who could cook pork chops to perfection.

His life began on August 5, 1973; he was the oldest son of Marietta Smalls and the late Harry Key.  He was born in Far Rockaway, NY. Damone loved Far Rockaway, NY where he attended school and made many lifelong friends.  He was proud to be a New Yorker and was always ready to point that out when he met others.

Growing up, Damone and his two brothers Karseim Smalls and Sheldon Newsome, would have you laughing for hours on end.  When together you would always see the love for each other, but don't be misled, they argued, fussed and fought, but the next minute, it was as if it never happened.  Damone was always willing to help his family and many others.  As a father he provided for his sons the best he could and loved them unconditionally until he died.  When Deon, his oldest son, would call, his eyes would twinkle and he would have the most beautiful smile that showed his love and regard for him.

Damone was employed at two jobs throughout his life, Waterside Children's Studio School, Broad Channel, NY for 8 years and Batavia Nursing Home, Batavia, NY for 9 years.  He was well liked by his co-workers and supervisor.  When his health failed, his employer and co-workers expressed their highest regard for him with stories, many tears and well wishes.

In 1983 , he was baptized at St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Wade Richmond. He was a member of the Junior Choir and later a member of JA Jackson Young Adult Choir.  After locating to Moncks Corner, SC in 2012, he became a member of Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church in Alvin, SC.  Despite his illness, he continued to love the Lord, and always thankful to be alive, never allowed his illness to define who he was.

Damone loved music, video games, cooking and his family and friends.  He had three favorite quotes, "I'm not a millionaire yet", "Ya'll alright" and "You know how it is."

Loved ones who cleared the path for Damone and who will miss him until they meet again in Heaven are: his mother, Marietta Smalls; two sons, Deon and Tyler Smalls; two brothers, Karseim Smalls and Sheldon Newsome; one Godson, Timothy Taylor; one uncle, Don (Kimberly) Smalls; five aunts: Cynthia (Wendell) Larrymore, Darlene Taylor, and Wendy (Roger) Fletcher of New York City, NY, Alonia Calloway and Sylvia (Louis) Blake of South Carolina; one niece, Daisha Lyons;  and a host of grand aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.