Cecil D. Smith

CECIL DOUGLAS SMITH, 74, a prominent Memphis attorney, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2014, after a long illness. Mr. Smith was actively involved in the practice of estate planning law as a partner in the firm of Apperson-Crump. Cecil Smith was born in Memphis on June 7, 1939 to Frances and Cecil N. Smith. He attended Treadwell High School, where he became active in sports, achieving recognition as the West Tennessee high jump champion in his junior and senior years. Although he was not initially viewed as a scholarship candidate for a collegiate track team, he entered the University of Memphis (then Memphis State) and proved to the track coach that he absolutely was capable of competing and winning at that level. The coach recognized both his ability and tenacity by rewarding him with a full track scholarship. While an under-graduate at University of Memphis, he served as president of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He graduated with a business degree but would later go on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis in 1968. While pursuing the study of law, he also served as president of his law fraternity and ODK, the national legal honor society, as well as Chief Justice of the Moot Court Board. Following his graduation from law school, he joined the IRS as a federal estate tax examiner and he lived and worked in Knoxville, TN. Upon returning to Memphis, he entered private practice in the specialty of estate planning from 1974 to 2010, when he joined the firm of Apperson-Crump while in private practice, he taught classes in estate planning through the University of Memphis' Continuing Education department. Cecil Smith was recognized nationally for his comprehensive knowledge in the fields of estate planning and asset protection, which he was called upon frequently to share with other estate planning attorneys across the country. Mr. Smith was a member of the Estate Planning Councils of Memphis, Nashville and Middle Tennessee. He was a co-founder of both Wealth Counsel and E. Planners, which are national networks for estate planning attorneys. During this period of time, he co-authored numerous reference books in his fields. Cecil Smith was an accomplished artist and photographer and enjoyed recording on canvas and film, the many trips he shared with his lovely wife of 48 years, Ann Schaefer Smith. Cecil Douglas Smith was predeceased by his parents but he is survived by his wife, Ann; his son, Whit Smith (Bridget); his daughter, Lauren Boehrn (Peter); his two brothers, Randy Smith and Gary Smith. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and numerous nieces and a nephew. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the wonderful care and attention Mr. Smith received at Methodist Hospital Germantown, Primacy Rehab and Baptist Trinity Hospice House. Visitation will be held at the Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel on Wednesday evening, January 8 from 5-8 p.m. The funeral will take place on Thursday, January 9 at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Chapel of Christ United Methodist Church. The family will also receive visitors at the church beginning at 1 p.m. until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church, where Cecil Smith was a member of the Lamplighter Class, or to Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net