Rufus Clyde Smith Jr., M.D.

1929 - 2022

Rufus Clyde Smith, Jr., MD

Dr. Clyde Smith, age 92, of Dothan, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022, at his residence embraced by those he loved.

Born in Dothan on July 15, 1929, Dr. Smith was the oldest son of Rufus Clyde Smith, Sr., and Clara Loucetta McKnight Smith. After graduating from Dothan High School in 1947, he attended Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, to pursue his undergraduate degree and his Doctorate in Medicine, following in his grandfather McKnight's footsteps.

Dr. Smith then served for two years in the U.S. Air Force as a Major and Chief of OB/GYN at Edwards Air Force Base Hospital in California. He then completed his one-year internship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, followed by a three-year residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tulane University School of Medicine and Charity Hospital. It was during this time that Dr. Smith met a beautiful nurse anesthetist, Bonnie Rita Brignac of Rayne, LA, on a blind date. Both agreed it was love at first sight, and in April, they celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Finishing his residency as Chief of Staff at Hammond General Hospital in LA, Dr. Smith and his family moved back to his hometown of Dothan in 1960. As the first board-certified OB/GYN in Dothan, he joined the practice of Drs. Thomas Woods and Joseph Garner. During his 52-year career, Dr. Smith cared for women and moms, delivering over 10,000 babies. Because of his gentle demeanor, intellect, and sincere empathy, he was adored by his patients. As a consummate professional, he consistently perfected his craft for their sake.

Dr. Smith truly loved life. In his younger years, he enjoyed snow skiing and piloting small aircraft. Travel, cars, Alabama football, reading, music, working in his yard, and learning were joys of his. He was someone you craved to be around; his presence was calming and safe. He was extraordinary and devoted, the perfect gentlemen in all ways, who showed respect to all, garnering the utmost respect in return. He valued his family and faith more than anything, and his wife and partner above all. Much in life is replaceable, in his family's lives, he is the exception.

Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bonnie Brignac Smith; a son, Rufus III (Julie) of Charlotte, N.C.; daughters, Karen Lisenby of Dothan, Simonne Gallaty (John) of Denver, CO and Germaine Mirmelli (Jon) of Scottsdale, AZ; six granddaughters, K'Lea, Brianna, Bonnie Lee, Alexandra, Jessica and Cameron; three great-grandsons, Crawford, Turner and Rhodes; a sister, Linda Ann Poyner of Dothan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 3 pm in the Chapel at St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan with Monsignor Patrick Gallagher and Father James Dane officiating. A private family burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park with Glover Funeral Home directing.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Columba Catholic Church, 2700 W. Main St., Dothan, AL 36301.

Glover Funeral Home of Dothan has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com