Arthur G Smith M.D.'s Obituary
Arthur G. Smith, M.D., 89, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Nov. 12th, 2015. Born Nov. 3rd, 1926, Art was the son of Earl and Ethel Smith of Sterling, NY. He grew up on a dairy farm in Red Creek, NY, then graduated from Syracuse University with a B.S. in Zoology as well as a Doctorate in Medicine. Along the way he met and married his beautiful bride, Doris Campbell. Following a residency in Pediatrics at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., Art served for six years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Japan as Head of Pediatrics for the Pacific Rim.
Art and Doris’s early married life adventures led them from NY to DC, Japan, and Kentucky before settling in Dunedin, FL, in 1960. Art was the first Pediatrician at Mease Hospital in Dunedin where he touched the lives of so many children and families in the community. He was loved and respected by many for his calm and comforting manner.
Art was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where he was instrumental in building the parish school, and led the fund raising and building committees for the church built in the early 1980s. He also devoted many hours as team doctor for the Dunedin High School football team in the 1970s. Art was an avid sports fan and was a huge fan of the Florida Gators.
After retiring, Art and Doris enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, and spending time with their grandchildren. He especially enjoyed the many gatherings with family and friends around the kitchen table.
Art was predeceased by his wife, Doris, in July of 2014 after 64 years of marriage. He is survived by his six children, Arthur, Jr. (Carolyn), Dan (Sue), Barbara Dirscherl (Guy), Joel (Tessie), June Kirwin (Bill), Peter (Sabrina). “Papa” will be dearly missed by his 14 beloved grandchildren. Art was also predeceased by his sister Gloria of Seneca Falls, NY, and his brother, Bob, of Fair Haven, NY.
“Doc Smith” impacted many families in the community. He healed and helped so many as well as raising his own family so beautifully. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Donations in his memory may be made to UNICEF or the RCS Food Bank of Clearwater.
A visitation will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday November 20th at Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Dunedin. Funeral Mass will follow at 11 am on Saturday November 21st at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Services will conclude with interment in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park.
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