Braxton Franklin Smith was born August 7, 1933 in southern Choctaw County, Alabama in a split log home. He was delivered by Dr. Ira Shaw, a general practice physician from Gilbertown, Alabama. His birth was paid for by a shotgun due to lack of money. His early years were spent in the hills of southern Choctaw County. His first two years of schooling were in a one-room schoolhouse near his home before it was closed. He rode the school bus to the elementary school in Gilbertown for 1 year before his family moved to York, Alabama.
His parents were Lathern H. Smith and Mary Connor Smith of Choctaw County, Alabama. Both deceased. His dad was a fireman and later an engineer for the railroad for over 49 years. His older sister Alvis Marie Roberts lives in Cuba, Alabama. His older half-brother Curtis Connor was killed in a train crash in 1952.
Dr. Smith graduated from the Sumter County High School in York in 1951. His high school principal his senior year was Mr. Clotus Green from Arab, Alabama, where Dr. Smith practiced medicine all his years in practice.
Dr. Smith did his premedical studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and graduated in 3 years in 1954. His BS degree major was in biology with a minor in chemistry. He was accepted to the medical school of Alabama in Birmingham and attended the school from 1954-1958.
After graduation from medical school, Dr. Smith did his rotating internship at the Macon hospital in Macon, Georgia. After completion of his internship, he married Ursula Vowe of Huntsville, Alabama, formerly of Detmold, Germany in July 1959.
He entered the US Navy in July 1959 and served as medical officer aboard the troop transport ship USS Cambria for one year. The ship was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea area for 6 months. His 2nd year was spent as the industrial medical officer at the US Navy air station in Norfolk, Virginia. His oldest son Stephen was born at the Norfolk Naval Hospital before his discharge from the Navy.
Dr Smith opened his office for the general and family practice of medicine on August 14, 1961 on North Main Street in Arab. He moved to his office on South Main Street in the early 1970’s, next to the old Arab Hospital. He remained in this office for the rest of his medical practice years.
During his medical practice, Dr. Smith was active in medical and civic affairs. He served as chief of staff of the Arab Hospital several times. He served as president of the Marshall County Medical Association and as president of the Tennessee Valley Family Practice association. Dr. Smith was a strong supporter of the Arab schools. He presented one or more scholarships to a graduating senior for more than 45 years. He left a scholarship fund to the Arab High School which would continue to give at least one scholarship to a graduating senior for many years. He received the “Boss of the Year” award from Arab High School BOE co-op students. He was presented a “Friend of Education” award from the Arab high Teacher Association. He purchased the “Arabian Knight” suit of armor for the high school. Arab Students later honored him by naming the knight “Sir Braxton”.
Dr. Smith was a great advocate of a better and higher education for students. He supported many school programs and projects over the years.
Dr Smith joined the Arab Lions Club after starting his medical practice in Arab. He served as president of the club. He later joined the Arab Rotary Club and served as president 1987-1988. He obtained the Paul Harris Rotary award and was a member of the Cahaba Shrine. Her served on the city of Arab’s zoning board for several years. He was always a strong supporter of the city of Arab’s police, fire and ambulance services. He was a member of Arab First United Methodist Church.
Dr. Smith’s greatest loves were his family, his medical practice and the encouragement and hope that all students obtain a higher and better education.
Dr Smith is survived by his sons: Stephen Braxton Smith and David Tyrone Smith, daughter, Melita Tankersley, grandsons, Alex, Evan and Sammy Tankersley, granddaughters Barbie Batey, Hannah Smith and Alice Smith, and daughters-in law Yon Smith and Jill Smith and sister’s-in-law: Gisela Galzerano and Annie Ruth Cox and a Host of Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula Vowe Smith, grandson: Warren Batey, brother: Curtis Conner and sister, Alvis Marie Roberts.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday – February 18, 2016 at Arab First United Methodist Church. Rev Steve West, Rev. Mike Shirley and Rev. Roy Bryant officiating. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing. Private entombment will be at Brookwood Cemetery Mausoleum.
Visitation will be 11:00 – 1:00 Thursday – February 18, 2016 at Arab First United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Gregg Galzerano, Theodor Galzerano, Evertte Roberts, Alex Tankersley, Evan Tankersley and Sammy Tankersley.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Arab First United Methodist Church building fund or the Big Oak Ranch for Children, P O BOX 507 Springville, Al 35146.
