Richard Carroll Smith MD

He was born June 3, 1931 to parents J. Carroll Smith and Floy Iola Lewis Smith in Dallas, Tx, and continued to live out his life in Dallas. He attended Woodrow Wilson High, class of 48, SMU and University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he received his medical degree, and chose Obstetrics and Gynecology for his field. He was a first lieutenant in the reserve medical core in the United States Air Force. and served on the Goodfellow Air Force base as the on base Dr. After his service he headed to Dallas to open his practice. His practice thrived in the Lake Highlands area and up to retirement he delivered over 6,000 babies, mostly at Big Baylor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J Carroll and Floy Smith, his daughter Sheridan Kay Smith, his first wife Veleta Thrash Smith of 42 years and his second wife Ann Patton Russell Smith of 21 years. He is survived by his daughter Shelbie Smith McKenzie and husband Don McKenzie Jr. of Rockwall, grandsons Mason and Cole, and daughter Sondra Smith McClendon and husband Mike McClendon of Tulsa, grandsons Jake, Shane and Grant.

He met his first wife Veleta of 42 years while attending medical school in Galveston and they raised the three girls in the Lake Highlands area. After her death, he went to his 50th high school reunion at Woodrow Wilson and reconnected with Ann Patton Russell, for whom he was married to for 21 years until her death. He retired after marrying Ann and they spent many of their days at lake Rock Falls in Mineola, TX.

Growing up in the Lakewood area, he played softball as the pitcher for East Dallas Christian Church, and was semi pro with Sun Oil and Dr. Pepper. He loved outdoor activities and was an avid fisherman, golfer and hunter as he spent time with his lifelong friends. He was always surrounded by friends and whether it was at church, his outdoor activities, playing bridge or poker, he had an entertaining story to tell. It was hard to go places with him without him being recognized, as he was a beloved Dr. and friend. He had bright blue eyes and a big smile and would say “be nice to them because you never know when you will see them again”. This proved true as you couldn’t go anywhere with him without him being recognized by a friend or patient.

The family would like to offer its gratitude to Juliette Fowler Communities for their love, care and support of our dad during his last few years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the One Heart Fund at Juliette Fowler Communities to support their continuing mission at Fowlercommunities.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Smith family.