Paul Wayne Smail

Paul’s story began with a fight. He was born extremely premature at just 27 weeks, in Madison, Wisconsin. Doctors weren’t sure he’d survive. He spent the first three months of his life in the hospital, and from the very start, he showed everyone what it meant to be strong. That fight never left him—it just showed up in different, beautiful ways as he grew.

Growing up, Paul and his family moved a lot—Wisconsin, Iowa, New Orleans, Mississippi, and finally Florida—but through every move, one thing stayed the same: their deep bond as a family. Paul thrived in school and sports, and he was even salutatorian of his class. He especially loved tennis. He was smart, determined, and talented, but what stood out most was his heart. Paul felt deeply, loved fiercely, and embodied the most caring soul.

Paul and his sister, Kim, both attended Florida State University—Go Noles!—and there, he truly came into his own. He even won FSU’s “Greek God” competition through his fraternity, Sigma Nu. Picture this: Paul, on stage, dancing and singing a country song—dry humor and all. He was quiet by nature, but when Paul spoke, people listened. And when he joked, people laughed. His sense of humor was subtle, dry, and unforgettable.

At Florida State, Paul met the love of his life, Niki Cunningham. Everyone who’s ever seen them together knows that they were each other’s “person.” Paul and Niki got engaged at Lake Ella in Tallahassee, the same day they graduated in May of 1995 and they had a beautiful wedding in March of 1996. Soon after, Paul started veterinary school and Niki started medical school at that “other Florida University” in Gainesville. Post-graduation, Niki began her residency serving in the United States Air Force and Paul was incredibly supportive throughout. They lived in Biloxi, MS, Niceville, FL, and finally put down roots in Roswell, GA. Paul and Niki built a beautiful life, and their greatest joy was being mom and dad to two amazing children, Gavin, born in 2003, and Sophia, born in 2007. On his Facebook page, the intro reads, “It's all about Family, friends, faith, and football.” Along with the Noles, he also loved the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers, but family always came first.

Professionally, Paul was more than a veterinarian—he was a healer, a comforter, and a friend. He was the kind of doctor who consistently went the extra mile sometimes, literally, driving to a family’s home if they needed him. His patients loved him not just for his skill, but for his compassion. His coworkers and colleagues leaned on him as a mentor and friend. He was someone they trusted implicitly, because he earned it every day.

Paul will be remembered for his quiet strength, his goodness, his loyalty, and his rare sense of humor. He had a heart of gold and will always be loved beyond measure. After being diagnosed with colon cancer in February of 2024, time and time again, Paul chose to focus on living instead of dying. No one could have fought harder for every minute, because he had so much to live for. He left us peacefully, surrounded by family, both blood and chosen. Although his body lost the fight against cancer, his spirit never did and there’s no doubt his beloved dogs Bailey, Bosco, and Bowden, rushed to greet him when he entered eternity, tails wagging, ready to play. The world feels wrong without him in it; but, in the memories, the laughter, and in every act of kindness done by those he loved, he will live forever.

Paul is survived by his wife Nicole, of 29 years, children, Gavin and Sophia; sister Kimberly and parents, Paul and Janet.

His Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, October 11th at 11:00 a.m. at East Cobb United Methodist Church in Roswell, GA. There will be a reception afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Guests are invited to wear church-appropriate garnet and gold to honor Paul’s favorite college football team, the Florida State Seminoles!

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the colorectal cancer alliance at colorectalcancer.org .