David English Smith Jr.

He is survived by his three children: Ann S. Elbert, of Austin, TX; David B. Smith (Jane) of Dallas, TX; and Marrie Smith of Dallas, TX; four grandchildren: Jennifer Fudge (Adrian) of Austin, TX, Michael Elbert (Mary) of Lynn Haven, FL, Steven Elbert of Lake Jackson, TX; Claire Smith Reddick (Stefan) of Dallas, TX, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Margaret (Peggy) Bronson Smith, brother Albert Goodin Smith of Shreveport, LA; sister Mary Ann Smith of Charleston, MO, grandson, Bronson Smith of Dallas, TX; and son-in-law, James Elbert of Galveston, TX.

He was born in San Francisco, CA on June 9, 1920, the son of David English Smith, Sr., M.D. and Myrtle Goodin Smith, both of Charleston, Missouri. Although he spent most of his early years in Bonne Terre, MO, he would call Charleston his family home. He earned his undergraduate degree at Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO in 1941 and his medical degree cum laude from Washington University, in St. Louis, MO in 1944. After serving two years in the US Army Medical Corps where he was chief of pathology, theater laboratory European Command, he returned to Washington University in 1948 to teach pathology. In 1948 he married the love of his life, Peggy Bronson of Rolla, Missouri. His professional career took him to Charlottesville, VA where he chaired the Department of Pathology at the University of Virginia; Philadelphia, PA with the National Board of Medical Examiners; New Orleans as Associate Dean of Tulane Medical School, and retirement to Galveston, TX where he maintained a teaching position at the University of Texas Medical Branch. In addition to his faculty appointments, he served as a trustee of the American Board of Pathology, and was active in numerous national and international medical boards. David received many awards for his contributions to medical education including the Mullholland Cup, University of Virginia School of Medicine, the Brindley Distinguished Scholar in Pathology at UTMB, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists distinguished service award, and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Washington University. He was a member of Sigma Xi, Alpha Omega Alpha, Phi Beta Pi, and Alpha Epsilon Delta.

In 2014 he and Peggy moved to Austin, Texas to be closer to family.

He loved the academic, intellectual argument and discussion on both sides of an issue was a sporting activity to him. He would become conversant on a subject to support a family member’s interest.

Among other interests, Dave was a clock maker, a handyman, a hunter and a cabinetmaker. His children have special keepsakes in their homes that he designed and built.

Books were Dave’s dear friends. Until his eyesight failed him, he could always be occupied with a new book and his extensive library reflected his varied interests.

Superseding all else was his love of family. There was no limit to the love and devotion he showed to his family and he will be sorely missed by all of them. All who knew him will miss his wit, his sense of humor and generosity.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Charleston, Missouri with interment to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.