S. Douglas "Doug" Smith

S. Douglas Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2021, surrounded by family. Doug was born in Hatchel, Texas on October 17, 1937. His parents were Frank and Jewell Smith, and his brother and sister, Troy and Glenda (Griffin). He graduated from Snyder High School in 1956.

Doug set an example for his children Elizabeth, Bryan, Troy, David and Carrie of hard work done honestly and well. A generous and humble man, Doug was quick to attribute his success to the admirable qualities that he saw in those around him, from Dr. Thomas Frist to Tommy Frist, among others.

Doug received his undergraduate degree at Abilene Christian University where he met his wife Nan Frazer. They were married in 1964.

Doug attended Duke University graduate school where he received his Masters of Hospital Administration, co-publishing a book of his mentor, Dr. Ray Brown. He received his PhD from University of Alabama following retirement from Quorum Health of which he was a co-founder and president.

Doug served as President of Hospital Corporation of America Management Company where he oversaw operations of 200 hospitals throughout the nation and abroad. Dr. Frist Sr. once said, “Doug Smith oversees more hospitals than anyone else in the world.”

Doug served on the board of ACU, Lipscomb University, and served as an elder at Otter Creek Church of Christ. As a follower of his Savior Jesus Christ, foremost in Doug’s heart were his wife of 57 years, their children and families.

He is survived by Nan; Sons: Bryan, Troy and David; Daughters: Elizabeth and Carrie; their spouses: Tommy, Carrie, Jeanie and Lance; Grandsons: Caleb, Josh, John, Stephen, Thomas, Wilson, Graham, Sam and Ethan; Granddaughters Sarah, Mary, Suzy, Debbie, Julia, Katie Belle, Jewell and Esther; Great-grandchildren Margaret and Caroline and two more on the way.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 14 from four until six in the evening at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at two o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, June 15 at Otter Creek Church of Christ, 409 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 on Tuesday 6/15 with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Donations in Doug’s honor can be made to Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center, Exile International, Made in the Streets, HisDOM, Living Water all sent to the Otter Creek Church, or the Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of your choice.