From Funeral Director to Industry Leader: Darryl Smith’s Journey to NAFD Presidency 

Darryl Smith, our General Manager of Funerals has dedicated over 42 years in the funeral profession. He has previously served as National President for the Co-operative Funeral Service Managers Association and has been an active member of many National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) local associations, including a term as the President of the Midlands Area Federation from 2012 to 2014. Darryl joined the NAFD Executive in 2021 and currently serves on the Membership Committee. He is currently the Acting President of the NAFD, and we’re proud to share that he will become the official President from September 2025 to September 2026. 

We asked Darryl a few questions to get to know him a little better. Here’s what he had to say: 

What inspired you to work in the funeral profession? 

From the age of 13, I found myself drawn to the dignity, discipline, and quiet professionalism of those working within the funeral profession. My family were involved in a business partnership in the North East, one of which was a funeral home, and I can still remember how deeply that experience impacted me. 

While my school friends were heading off to garages and hairdressers for work experience. I asked to go to the local Co-op funeral home. Thankfully, my careers teacher took me seriously and arranged a week with the North East Co-op (NECS). That placement left a lasting impression, and I returned many times to continue learning – eventually taking on a role at NECS. That early exposure confirmed what I already knew: this was where I was meant to be. 

How does it feel to be stepping into the role of NAFD President? 

It’s a tremendous honour. To be put forward and then voted by your peers to stand for election to the Executive of the National Association of Funeral Directors. As the oldest established trade body representing Funeral Directors in the UK dating back to 1905, there is a fantastic legacy of extremely well-established household names that have followed this path and I am privileged to be able to continue that legacy working on behalf of the NAFD. This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of those who keep things running in my absence – so thank you to Matthew, Steve and all of our colleagues at the Support Centre. 

A special thanks must also go to my CEO, Steve Browne, and the backing of my Society board who see the role of National President as a great achievement. 

Do you have a favourite book or film that’s helped you reflect on life or loss? 

I don’t have a favourite book or film that has influenced me in this way. My reflections around loss come from my personal experience – serving thousands of client families over the years, across various parts of the country and in many different roles within the profession.  

It’s through those moments that I’ve come to understand the true importance of being there for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives, and just how special that responsibility really is.  

What message would you like to share with NAFD members and the wider public as you take on this role? 

I have no hesitation in talking about death and dying, but I am still amazed after more than 40 years in the profession, how reluctant the general public are to talk about death. Now this has improved over the years, and initiatives such as Dying Matters and the increase in awareness around funerals has helped to move things on, but for such a fundamental reality of life as per the old saying goes ‘there are only two guarantees in life and that’s death and taxes’. 

Death gets very little airtime, and I would like to help us talk more about what we want, and don’t want when the time comes. 

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of your work in funerals? 

Sadly, I have very little time outside of work that does not involve funerals in one way or another. For over 40 years it has been the cornerstone of my life, and I am lucky to have a very supportive wife in Lesley and two understanding children in Ross and Lauren, but I would say that many people would not know that I have a real passion for motorcycling.