Paul Douglas Smith Sr.

Paul Douglas Smith Sr. obituary

Paul Smith Obituary

TUSCALOOSA Paul Douglas Smith Sr., age 78, of Tuscaloosa, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at home. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, in the chapel at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.

He was born on January 30, 1934, in Sweetwater, Texas to Moye Alvin Smith Sr. and Zada Boyd Smith. His loving wife of 56 years, Beverly Ann Campbell Smith, preceded him in death only six weeks prior. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Moye Alvin Smith Jr.

Paul was a graduate of Abilene Christian College, where he studied music. He also did post-graduate study at the University of Alabama. He had a love for music and God blessed him with a beautiful tenor voice. He sang for four years with the Dallas Civic Opera. After moving to Tuscaloosa, he was a charter member of the Tuscaloosa Community Singers, the Tuscaloosa Civic Chorus, the Alabama Chamber Singers, and was a guest soloist with the Birmingham Symphony. Throughout his life, Paul led singing at several churches and often shared his talent as an invited soloist.

In 1964, he chose to go back to school to become a court reporter. He graduated from the Stenograph Institute of Texas in 1966, and court reporting became his most distinguished profession. He held certifications in both Texas and Alabama. The majority of his career was spent working in Circuit Court in Tuscaloosa as the official court reporter for the Hon. Aubrey Dominick and Hon. Jerome Baird. He worked tirelessly with the Alabama Court Reporters Association and was a two-term President. He was recognized by the Chief Justice of Alabama for his work as Chairman of the committee tasked with developing the first Bench Manual for court reporters in the state. He was also recognized at the national level through the National Court Reporter's Association and was inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Professional Reporters.

Paul will be remembered by family and friends for his outgoing personality. He loved his family dearly and his children and grandchildren were his treasures. He was a recognized leader in the churches he served and daily strived to live his Christian values and to treat all with compassion.

Survivors include his daughters, Elise Smith Evans (Millard M. Evans Jr.) of Atlanta, Ga. and Cynthia Smith Boyd (Dr. F. Leslie Boyd Jr.) of Raleigh, N.C.; his son, Paul Douglas “Doug” Smith Jr. (Katie McKewen) of Birmingham; his grandchildren, Taylor Leslie Boyd, Matthew Campbell Boyd, Jack Campbell Smith, and Reed Douglas Smith; his brother, Dwight Smith of Searcy, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama or Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Published by Tuscaloosa News on Jan. 25, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Paul was a man for all seasons. Professionally and personally, we lost a valuable person. Rest in Peace, Paul!

January 28, 2013

My heart is saddened to learn of the passing of your wonderful father and mother. Such wonderful memories of your family when you visited Boston so many years ago at the NCRA convention. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Fifield

January 28, 2013

Wonderful service earlier today - particularly hearing both Doug and Taylor speak. Love always, -David

Dr. David Nelson

January 26, 2013

TO THE FAMILY OF PAUL SMITH: We have happy memories of the many times we spent with your mom and dad. We always enjoyed Paul's sharing his love of music with us. His positive attitude toward life was refreshing. We are thinking of you with much love. Bernard and Carole Sloan

Bernard and Carole Sloan

January 25, 2013

To Paul Smith Family: "May THE LORD bless and keep you. ........and BE GRACIOUS UNTO YOU! Num.6:24-26

Van Smelser

January 25, 2013

I have such happy memories of the court reporter conventions.Paul and all of you were so kind and welcoming to me.I will be in Kentucky for the service but will be thinking of you and would love to hear fro m you.1511 Bellingrath Dr.Much love,Harriet Cabell Walker

harriet cabell walker

January 25, 2013

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