Dr. Luther J. Smith

Dr. Smith was born in Waycross, Georgia on June 15, 1924. He was the son of the late Luther J. and Susie Sheppard Smith. He graduated from Waycross High School and attended North Georgia College when World War II began. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew 50 combat missions as a navigator on a B-17 in the European Theater of Operations.

After discharge from the Army Air Corps, he graduated from Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He then returned to the Armed Services as a medical Doctor and assignments included Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C., Fitzsimons Army Hospital, Denver, Colorado, and Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After discharge from the U.S. Air Force, he had his Psychiatric Residency training in Williamsburg, Virginia, and a fellowship in Electroencephalography at the Medical College in Richmond, Virginia.

Dr. Smith came to Columbus in 1958 and trained with Dr. Charles R. Smith in the practice of Neurology and Psychiatry. Together they established the Smith Clinic. He retired from medical practice in 1994. Dr. Smith retired from the U.S. Army reserves as a Lt. Colonel. His medals and commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two leaf clusters, the European Theater of Operations Campaign ribbon with four Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Combat Award, and various other decorations.

He was a lifetime member of the American Medical Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, the Muscogee County Medical Society, the American Psychiatric Association, the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, and the Southern Medical Association. He maintained memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Retired Officers Association, the American Legion, the Military Order of World Wars, and the Reserve Officers Association.

Dr. Smith was a member of Saint Luke United Methodist Church and an active member of the Fellowship/Jesus is Lord Sunday School Class. He also served on the Official Administrative Board of St. Luke United Methodist Church.

Dr. Smith greatly valued his fellowship with his many friends in the Friday Friars with whom he shared many great memories and enjoyable meals. He also enjoyed the friendship and support of so many over the decades including Gaye, Gary, Kevin, Nancy, Mary, Rev. Reese, Otto, the St. Luke Meals on Wheels team including the chefs and volunteers who delivered the food, and others at St. Luke respite and the Fellowship/Jesus is Lord Class.

His wife, Velma Green Smith; two sisters, Kitsie Sheppard Smith and Leila Irwin Smith; one sister in law, Jane Green and one brother in law, William Green, preceded Dr. Smith in death.

He is survived by his sons, Dr. Luther “Jerry” J. Smith III, and Dr. Stevens S. Smith (Mary), grandsons, Sager and Will, one sister, Susan B. Smith of Atlanta, niece, Kathy Eastman (Ron), and nephew William C. Green (Christine).

The family would like to thank the Columbus Hospice caregivers especially Denise, Pam, Charles, Kristen, and Daniel as well as caregivers from Home Instead.