Mathew Norris Smith

On September 9th, 2025 we lost an incredible soul. After years of battling multiple ailments including stage 4 prostate cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure, Dr. Mathew Norris Smith passed away peacefully after saying goodbye to his children and beautiful wife.

Many knew Mat as Dr. Smith, the world renowned Neurosurgeon. Dr. Smith had an illustrious medical career after graduating from Tufts Medical School in 1959.  Following graduation he served his country as the Chief of Surgery at a Texas Air Force Base in the early 1960s, before starting his Neurology and Neurosurgery Resident in New York. Following his residency in 1968 he practiced in the Washington DC area where he helped revolutionize Neurosurgery in Private Practice while simultaneously cultivating future medical minds as an Asst. Professor at Georgetown and Howard University. Dr. Smith retired in 1993 after an incredible 34 year career in medicine. Dr. Smith saved many lives, and touched many hearts. His medical expertise will be sorely missed by the world. 

Many more knew Mat as an avid golfer who was known to walk the course in the evenings, a gifted tennis player into his senior years , and a lover of all things Boston Sports. At times Mat was the voice of reason for many or the shoulder to cry on for family; occasionally he would even speak up with an especially clever quip that would be followed by his sly smile and laugh.

Above all else, Mat was a beloved and loyal family member. He was a loving and kind husband of 49 years, a thoughtful and dependable father to 6 wonderful children, and a fun-loving grandfather to 13 incredible grandchildren. His booming cheers at the sports field or ice arena will be missed by all his grandchildren as he was known to rarely miss a game (even if he had to watch over the internet in his final years). His legacy was his family, who kept him moving for many years.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Tricia Smith; his children Karin Quantrille, Laurin Simpson, Jaime Smith, Lucas Smith, and Judson Smith; his grandchildren David, Brian, Fitz, Benjamin, Eliott, Shia, Dov, Lincoln, Emersen, Strider, Estelle, Atticus, and Hawthorne. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Daniel Smith, whom we lost too soon to cancer.

In lieu of a traditional ceremony, Mat wished for a "celebration of life". Therefore, we will be having a casual event on October 5th from 1pm-3pm at Donaldson-Bannister Farm, 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Dunwoody, Georgia.

All are welcome to celebrate the life of an incredible man, doctor, husband, father, and grandfather.