Charlie Ray Smith

Captain Charlie R. Smith, MD, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 8th. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; parents, Ray and Velma Smith; brother, Harlan; and sister, Fannie Cardwell of Kodak, TN. His is survived by his four children, Charlene Crace (Don), Douglas Smith, Linda Kerrigan Bowers, Thomas Charles “Tommy” Smith. Ten grandchildren, Caroline Crace Knieriem (Brad), Melissa Crace Grimes (Alan), Laura Crace Hinson (John), Stephanie Crace Jennings (Greg), Lindsay Kerrigan Medina (Cody), Hunter Smith Kerrigan (Justina), Christopher Kerrigan, Zachary, Alexandra and Olivia Smith and eighteen great grandchildren: Katherine Helen, John Crace, Luke Perrin Knieriem; Charles Alan and Andrew Crace Grimes; Claire Elizabeth, Emily Charlotte, Patrick Thomas Hinson; Lucy Elizabeth, James Crace Jennings; Harper Lee, Anne Marie, Piper Joan Medina, Ryder Smith, Reagan Renee Kerrigan; Ashton Michael, Lilly Ann, Holden William Kerrigan; his brother Alvin, Clinton Mo, and sister, Laverne Swann, nephew, Roy (Trenta) Swann Kodak, TN.

Charlie Ray Smith, a native of Kodak, Tennessee had dual careers - one as an Airline Pilot, and another as a Doctor, and both at the same time! FAA mandatory retirement at age 60 took him out of the left seat as an airline Captain after 36 years with American Airlines, but not out of the Doctor’s office. For the next 25 years, Dr. Smith continued to practice medicine in Nashville, primarily as one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved FAA Medical Examiners.

Charlie R. Smith joined the Air Force at the tender age of 18 where he learned to fly and instruct in over 25 different airplanes. He later flew a B-29 mission into Korea on the first day of the Korean War, a fact recorded at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. After 57 missions over Korea, Major Charlie Smith was discharged from his distinguished service to his country at age 23 having been awarded over eleven medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross with four (Bronze) Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal with five (Silver) Oak Leaf Clusters. He would serve in the Tennessee Air National Guard for another decade following his military career. Doc was hired by American Airlines in 1953 and began flying the DC-6. He would pilot American’s DC-10s and 747SPs in the International Division, as well as the 747 in the Domestic Division.

While flying for the airline, he used his G.I. benefits to enroll in pre-med classes at UT-Knoxville. He completed medical school and residencies during furloughs and leaves-of-absence and graduated from UT’s Medical School in 1965 where his wife and four children were all in attendance. He practiced Ophthalmology and taught as a Clinical Medical Instructor at Vanderbilt University until 1994.

Even though he retired in 1989 as American Airline’s 10th most senior pilot, he continued to serve aviation through his private practice of Aviation Medicine as an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and consultant to the Federal Air Surgeon. He was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame on Nov. 11, 2006.

Doc retired to care for his beloved wife, Marlene, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Her death in April of this year was hard felt, and his own health began to fail following her passing. He spent the remainder of his life caring for his beloved farm in Donelson where he grew hay, fed deer and had many a picnic.

Doc never met a stranger and enjoyed people from all walks of life. He lived the essence of the Hippocratic Oath. He once performed cataract surgery for the payment of a ham. He continued to make house calls whenever needed. He was a true Renaissance man with a great heart. His love of learning and life was evident through his numerous books and many collections. He was an avid reader and continued to read up until his death. He lectured and shared his knowledge generously with his community. Doc was extremely proud of his Air Force and Air National Guard service. Flying was in his blood, and he never lost his love of flying.

He and Marlene had a beautiful 63 year marriage and always took time to show genuine interest in others. They worked side by side in Doc’s office and collaborated on everything, usually after a lively debate. Doc and Marlene adored their family and their many pets. They truly graced our lives with a rare spirit seldom found in this life.

The family will receive friends from 3 until 7 pm Friday and 10 – 11 am Saturday with a Celebration of Life Graveside Service at 11:30 in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, 278 Doug Warpoole Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167; or Alive Hospice, Inc., 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Visit the online obit: www.hibbetthaileyfh.com.