Dr. Andrew Buchanan Small III

Dr. Andrew Buchanan Small III peacefully passed away at home on March 28, 2026. As a third-generation doctor, 27-year youth football referee, and dedicated member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, he leaves behind a legacy of family, professionalism, and spirituality.

Dr. Small, “Andy” to his friends and family, was born on September 30, 1943, at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Dallas, TX (now known as Baylor University Medical Center), where, 30 years later, he would practice as a General Surgeon. Dr. Small was a lifelong resident of the Park Cities. He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Buchanan Small Jr., MD and Nancy Wright Small, and his sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Small Cheney. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Florer Small, and they shared 62 years of marriage. Together, they raised their children, Margaret Elizabeth Derryberry (Meg Small) and Andrew Buchanan Small IV, MD (Drew Small).

Dr. Small attended Yale University and graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1965 with a B.A. in History and received his M.D. degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1969. Following an internship in internal medicine at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital, Dr. Small spent two years as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force and served as Director of the Physiologic Training Unit for Castle Air Force Base. He completed his residency in general surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, Dr. Small was certified by the Texas Surgical Society in 1979, making the Smalls one of the few families with three generations of members. He was Board Certified by the American College of Surgeons and was Associate Director of Surgical Education and Secretary to the Medical Board at Baylor University Medical Center. He was a member of the American College of Physician Executives and attended its Physician Management Programs I, II, and III. He was a former Secretary of the Dallas County Medical Society and the inaugural president of the Society of Baylor Surgeons and a trainer for the American Medical Association’s Education for Physicians on End-of-Life Care.

After retirement, he served as Medical Director for Travelers Health Network, Aetna Health Plans, the Baylor Center for Quality and Care Coordination, and as a Physician Adviser at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth. Among his many honors, Dr. Small was recognized for completing the Designated Doctor and Physician Training Course for the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians. He was also commended for outstanding contributions and service in aerospace medicine in 1972 by the United States Air Force.

As a lifelong fan of football, Dr. Small was a leader both on and off the field and held a number of athletic roles, including being named captain of the Highland Park High School Scots before graduating in 1961. His love for the sport extended far beyond his playing career, and for over 25 years, Dr. Small was a member of the Texas Association of Sports Officials until his retirement in 2009. He was recognized for more than 20 years of distinguished service with the Dallas Football Officials Association, and in 2015, he was given a certificate of appreciation from Dallas ISD for his outstanding commitment to students, classrooms, and schools.

In both his professional and private life, Dr. Small’s faith was a driving force in everything he did. As a two-term member of the vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Dr. Small held a number of roles within the church, including Senior Warden in 1984, as well as Lay Reader, Chalice Bearer, and Usher for more than 40 years.

Dr. Small’s greatest occupation was as the patriarch of an expansive family, who affectionately knew him a “A”. He is survived by his wife, Donna Florer Small; their two children, his daughter, Margaret Elizabeth Derryberry, and her husband, Douglas Joe Derryberry and their children Dylan Joseph Derryberry, his wife, Wylie Aron Derryberry, and their daughter, Etta Jo Derryberry; Jacob Christopher Derryberry; Scout Annie Derryberry; and his son, Andrew Buchanan Small IV, MD, and his wife, Anna Underwood Small and their children Annabelle “Carlie” Carleton Small; and Sarah Margaret Small.

Andy played an active role in the lives of his extended family. He is survived by his niece, Elizabeth Cheney Stuntz, who was critical in his end-of-life care, along with her three children and two grandchildren; and his nephews, Spencer Cheney and his 2 children, and Oakley William “Bill” Cheney III, his wife, Crissy, and their two children and five grandchildren. He also specifically wished to recognize his cousins in the Wright and Bacon families.

Funeral services will be held on April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX., 75204. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Incarnation or to a charity of your choice.

As his family navigates life without Andy, we find solace in the lessons he taught us and the impact he had on his family and his community. May he rest in peace.

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