Dr. William Arthur Smith, son of Doris Eugenia Gustine of Benton Harbor MI and Dr. William Axel Smith of Springfield IL, was born at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta Georgia on February 24, 1927. An active member of First Presbyterian Church, Bill grew up on Virginia Circle and later lived on Lenox Road as a boy. He went to North Fulton High School and continued his boyhood connections as a member of the Buckhead Boys of NFHS. He gained an appreciation and skill of gardening from his mother, grafting and planting fig trees, which he loved.
Bill graduated college at Emory University, followed by Emory Medical School, where he obtained his degree in 1953. From 1945-1946 he took a break from his studies to serve in the Navy as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class during WWII. Bill completed his medical internship at the University of Virginia and his residency in Ophthalmology at Wane State University in Detroit. He built his own practice as an Ophthalmologist and Ophthalmic Surgeon in Atlanta with an office at Northside Hospital Doctors Building.
He met the love of his life, Sally Holmes Smith, who he married at Trinity Presbyterian Church on July 15, 1961. They raise 3 children and kept busy with many social activities and travel. Bill was an active member of the Buckhead Rotary club, he served as a deacon at Peachtree Presbyterian Church and was a member of Capital City Country Club where he loved to play golf with his wife Sally and brother Dick.
Retired from practice in 1990, Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends. Bill and Sally were avid Square Dancers, and as members of the Peachtree Squares Dance Club, travelled to Australia to dance in 1990. They enjoyed playing Bridge, were member’s of a couples bowling league, and were known to go dancing to Big Band Music at the Down town City Club. Bill also liked his time of quiet. You would often find him doing Jigsaw Puzzles and challenging his mind with Suduko. He also enjoyed the simple things, like watching birds and planes as they flew over his house.
Bill died in his home at Presbyterian Village in Austell Georgia, on July 15 2023, with his son at his side. He is survived by his wife of 62 years (to the day) Sally Holmes Smith, his brother Dr. Richard A. Smith, son and caregiver Brian H. Smith, daughters Samantha S. Smith and Jen S. Wray, wife of Dr. Steven D. Wray, and three grandchildren Maggie D. Wray, Jack W. Wray, and Rachel H. Wray.
There will be a viewing at H.M. Patterson and Son- Arlington Chapel, in Sandy Springs on Wednesday July 19 from 9:45-10:45. A small family burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery. And a reception will occur at the home of Jen and Steve Wray at 4574 Stella Drive starting at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Caring Hands of Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date, to be held at Presbyterian Village in Austell Georgia.
