Smith, Joel
SMITH, Jr., Joel
Joel Perry Smith, Jr. M.D., passed into the arms of Jesus on September 9, 2021. He was born on July 30, 1935 in LaGrange, Georgia to Joel Perry Smith, Sr., M.D. and Ellen Janet "June" Goforth Smith.
Dr. Smith graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1953 and Mercer University in 1956. In 1960, he graduated from Medical College of Georgia. He completed residencies in general surgery and Otolaryngology/Ear, Nose and Throat at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University. While working in the hospital ER he met a nurse, Carolyn Williams, who became his beloved wife in 1965 in Pinehurst, NC. Dr. Smith entered the US Air Force as Captain and Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology at the US Strategic Air Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL.
Dr. and Mrs. Smith moved to Atlanta, where he began private medical/surgical practice in Otolaryngology, providing compassionate care to patients over his forty-year career. He was a founding member of the Georgia Society of Otolaryngology and a founding member of a new physician-owned hospital, Doctors Memorial Hospital, later becoming part of Emory Hospital Midtown. Dr. Smith performed cutting-edge research and was published in multiple medical journals. During his career, he was recognized by local, state and national medical associations and served as Chief of Surgery, Chairman of the Medical Staff and a member of the Board of Governors at Doctors Memorial Hospital. The Georgia Society of Otolaryngology recognized him with the Lester Brown Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the ENT field.
Patriotic and passionate about serving his community, Dr. Smith actively engaged in civic responsibilities in Atlanta. He served for many years as a member/officer on the Board of the Metro Atlanta Crime Commission. The mayor of Atlanta recognized Dr. Smith as a citizen leader for his many outstanding contributions. He created a course related to the pathophysiology of stress on law enforcement officers and taught cadet classes at the Atlanta Police Academy for many years. Additionally, he served as a Major in the Georgia State Defense Force for Homeland Security.
Everyone who knew Dr. Smith regarded him as gentle, kind, compassionate and intelligent. His life was characterized by his unfailing devotion to serving others in a way that brought honor to his faith, family and country. Although successful and accomplished by many measures, he most treasured the family with which he was blessed. His love of family was surpassed only by his personal relationship with, and devotion to, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dr. Smith was a devout Christian and his faith was the focal point of his life. Dr. and Mrs. Smith were active members of Church of the Apostles for over 30 years. He leaves a legacy of love for God and family.
Dr. Smith is survived by Carolyn Williams Smith, his wife of 56 years, his children, Joel Smith, III (Shae), Preston Smith (Liz), Elizabeth Carroll (Kells) and his thirteen grandchildren, Joel IV, Taylor, Hunter, Preston, Jr., Christi, Jordan, Marshall, Abigail, Lydia, Brayden, Carson, David and Grace, along with his sisters Lynda Carter and Ellen Marks. He was preceded in death by his parents Joel, Sr. and June and his brother Michael.
The Smith family will receive visitors at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel (Sandy Springs) from 4-6 PM on Sunday, September 19. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, September 20th at Church of the Apostles, followed by interment at Hillview Cemetery, LaGrange, GA at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent in Dr. Smith's name to Church of the Apostles, 3585 Northside Parkway, NW Atlanta, GA 30327.
View the obituary on Legacy.com
Funeral Home Information
H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel
173 Allen Road Ne
Sandy Springs, GA
30328
