Posted by Robert '62 on November 18, 2021, 8:10 am
Charles Smith, MD died yesterday afternoon at 3:30. A member of the FHS class of 1962, he was a surgeon in Fairhope, AL. He had been very successful and enjoyed life as a respected surgeon. About three or four years ago, we spent aa day visiting. He showed me his beautiful house on a bluff overlooking Mobile Bay, took me out to a historical property he had bought out in the country, and we had a great lunch at the yacht club. Charles liked to ride motorcycles. He and I took a trip to the Ozarks on bikes about five years ago. It was a great trip. He was a lifelong friend and the epitome of a southern gentleman.
Obit
Posted by Kaye ‘63 on November 21, 2021, 10:17 pm, in reply to "Another gone"
"CB"'S OBITUARY Dr. Charles Bennett “C.B” Smith, age 77, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
Born in Columbia, MS, Dr. Smith graduated medical school in 1969 from the University of Mississippi. He went on to complete a one year internship at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas before serving as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force. Dr. Smith moved to Mobile where from 1972 – 1976 he completed his General Surgery Residency at USA Medical Center. In 1976, Dr. Smith opened his private practice in Mobile where he remained until he joined the staff of Thomas Hospital in 1995 and served on the Peer Review Committee from 2010-2015. He also served as the Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at USA School of Medicine from 2000 – 2015. Surgical Associates of Eastern Shore, P.C. was formed in 1997 with Dr. Smith becoming a leading surgeon within the community.
Early on, Dr. Smith served as an advocate for advanced patient care beginning with his role as the President of the Medical Society of Mobile in 1990. One of Dr. Smith’s contributions during his reign on this committee was to campaign to end smoking privileges in the hospital setting. Dr. Smith and his colleagues were successful in having this Tobacco Free Campaign implemented, which was a huge step in moving our society forward to a healthier environment. Dr. Smith has served on numerous committees throughout his career including the Mobile Infirmary Cancer Committee of which he chaired from 1992 – 1995. Dr. Smith was one of the first surgeons to perform a Lumpectomy in the Mobile area and was the driving force behind the fundraising efforts of the Thomas Hospital Foundation to secure a Sterotactic Biopsy Machine, which allowed for a more advanced diagnostic method of evaluating breast masses and mammographic abnormalities.
In August of 2015 Dr. Smith retired from private practice and joined the Eastern Shore Wound Care Center. He subsequently transitioned into retirement. He enjoyed traveling, the great outdoors, walks with his dog, Kali, and most importantly spending time with his family.
C.B. is survived by his beloved Cheryl Jean Smith; their children, Chris Smith, Amy Smith Megginson (Brett), Stephen Smith (Shayna); grandchildren, Claire Bennett Megginson, Louise Amelia Megginson, Sawyer Bennett Smith, Amelie Elizabeth Smith; brother, Dr. John B. Smith, Jr. (Diane); sister, Linda C. Warren; along with many other loving relatives and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 28th from 4-6pm at Fairhope Yacht Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital st.jude.org or American Cancer Society cancer.org
Prayers for Family
Posted by Sherry Pace on November 19, 2021, 9:12 am, in reply to "Another gone"
Grieves me, praying for his family🙏
Re: Another gone
Posted by Bo 62 on November 18, 2021, 10:17 am, in reply to "Another gone"
Such sad news,ROBERT.Prayers go out to Cheryl and family.
Re: Another gone
Posted by Steve 70 on November 18, 2021, 10:12 am, in reply to "Another gone"
Condolences to the family. It’s a said day for all when another Bearcat crosses that Rainbow Bridge.
Re: Another gone
Posted by Kaye ‘63 on November 18, 2021, 9:21 am, in reply to "Another gone" Edited by board administrator November 18, 2021, 9:24 am
Thank you for posting, Robert. It is sad news indeed. While communicating with a few classmates last night, Kel said each one spoke of how much they had enjoyed getting to visit with Charles again at our various reunions. He will be missed.
Re: Another gone
Posted by Panzey '62 on November 18, 2021, 12:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Another gone"
It is sad to hear this. I think it would be hard to find anyone who didn't agree about what a nice, kind, sweet person Charles was. He will be missed.