Dr. Robert Joseph Smith

Robert Joseph “Bob” Smith, M.D. age 83, of Jackson, passed away peacefully on Monday morning surrounded by his family in Jackson.

Funeral services for Dr. Smith will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Skyline Church of Christ with Jeff Brown and Sam Wylie officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery.

Casketbearers to serve will be Scott Gatlin, Alan Dejarnett, Scott Owens, Tommy McDonald, Carl Rudd, Mark Harville, Sam Wylie, and Larry Chambers.

Dr. Smith was born on November 20, 1931 in Jackson, TN to Elizabeth Robbins Smith and the late George Arthur Smith. Dr. Smith attended Lambuth University and Union University and was a graduate of The University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He served his internship at District of Columbia General Hospital. He was a U.S. Navy Medical Officer at Camp LeJuene in North Carolina, receiving a commendation letter from the Commanding General. He served his residency in General Surgery at George Washington University Hospital and his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Hospital.

Dr. Smith was a diplomat with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Dr. Smith was a member of many professional organizations including the Consolidated Medical Assembly of West Tennessee, Tennessee Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, American Medical Association, Tennessee Orthopedic Society, Vanderbilt Orthopedic Society, National Rehabilitation Association, the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and the Wilderness Medical Society.

Dr. Bob had many professional accomplishments in his life. Dr. Smith served countless people in his community for 37 years as an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Jackson Clinic. He was a board member of The Jackson Clinic from 1968-1974 and 1977-1980, and served as chairman of the board at The Jackson Clinic in 1974. In 1984, he served as chief of staff at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. He was a lifetime board member of the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Association. In 1983, the Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities was completed, and given the name Robert J. Smith Developmental Complex, and the organization still bears his name today. Dr. Smith was also a proud Eagle Scout and supported the Boy Scouts in any way that he could.

Dr. Bob’s faith was a driving and important force in his life. He has served countless hours in Panama and in the Darien on medical missions. In these areas, Dr. Bob and his team impacted thousands of Panamanians. He also served as an elder at Skyline Church of Christ and served on the Board of Trustees at Freed Hardeman University from 1980-2010. Dr. Smith was also a member of the Jackson-Madison County School Board from 2002-2006.

Dr. Bob is quoted as saying the following, “I gave my life to the Lord at an early age. Consequently, life has been a great adventure and has led me to places and people who have had a great influence on me.”

Dr. Bob lived his life to the fullest in every capacity and left love and smiles everywhere he went.

Dr. Smith is preceded in death by his father, George A. Smith who preceded him in 1993. Dr. Smith stated, “I am thankful for being a son of Santa. Although I didn’t know that until I was in my early adolescence. It was never mentioned around the house. But, I actually became one of his helpers as time passed.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Chilton Smith to whom he was married 54 beautiful years. Three sons and one daughter, Joseph Martin Smith (Kimberly) of Jackson, TN; Julie Smith Gunnels (Erwin) of Murfreesboro, TN; James David Jones (Jane) of Little Rock, AR; and George David Smith of Jackson. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and great grandfather of three great granddaughters. Dr. Bob is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Robbins Smith; two brothers, Jack A. Smith (Judy) and W. Jerry Smith (Ruth Ann); and a beloved cousin, Reggie Smith. Dr. Smith was a mentor and father figure to Devin Bunch, whom he considered one of his own children.

Visitation with the Smith family will be held on Wednesday evening, December 17, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at Skyline Church of Christ. Visitation will resume on Thursday morning, December 18, 2014 from 10-2 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorials be directed in Dr. Smith’s memory to Skyline Church of Christ, Freed-Hardeman University, and the Robert J. Smith Developmental Complex.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, (731) 427-5555.