Dr. Douglas Ray Smith

Dr. Douglas Ray Smith, 92, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2025. Born December 16, 1932, in Paw Creek, NC, to the late Ralph Lemuel Smith, Sr., and Gladys Ray Smith, Douglas spent his early years on the mill property of Kendall Mills in the Paw Creek area of Charlotte.

A devoted husband to his beloved wife of 71 years, the late Gloria Jean “Judy” Smith, Douglas found immense joy in their lifelong partnership. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith, raising three children: Susan Ray Smith Fox (Mark), Douglas Randall Smith (Missy), and Judith Ann "Jan" Smith. He was the cherished grandfather to Preston Smith, Austin Smith, Mark Fox, Jr., Dr. Emma Smith, and Caleb Smith, and the great-grandfather to Faye and Inga Smith. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Through his medical mission trips, Douglas expanded his family, adding Dr. Alex Talalight (Erin) and their children, as well as Ben and Tatiana Patrautanu and their children.

A distinguished academic, Douglas graduated from Duke University and Bowman Gray Medical School (now Wake Forest School of Medicine), launching a remarkable career in family medicine. Practicing in Mount Holly and Charlotte, NC, he earned a reputation as a compassionate and skilled diagnostician. His ability to identify and treat ailments earned the trust and gratitude of countless patients and brought him deep satisfaction in his work.

Douglas’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. A strong Christian, he led numerous Sunday School classes and church events, touching the lives of many with his teachings and example. Over the years, he became both physician and friend to several pastors of the churches he attended in Charlotte. Most recently, he led a Sunday School class at Providence Baptist Church.

Beyond his professional and spiritual contributions, Douglas was devoted to his family. After Judy’s fall and subsequent hip fracture, he became her full-time caretaker, displaying unwavering love and dedication until her passing on December 14, 2024.

Douglas’s life was marked by his steadfast faith, his boundless love for his family, and his commitment to serving others. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, physician, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Restoration Church, Indian Land, SC, under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Joe Brown, in honor of Douglas’s life and legacy.

Services will be held at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Drive in Charlotte, NC, on Friday, January 31, with visitation starting at 12:00 pm and the funeral at 1:00 pm. A reception with refreshments will follow the services. Burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.forestlawnwest.com.