Funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon, June 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from the Walnut Street Church of Christ. Bro. Steve Baggett and Tommy Nicks will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Place of rest will be in the Dickson County Memorial Gardens. To view a livestream of the service, please click HERE.
Those desiring, memorials are suggested to the Walnut Street Church of Christ or to a charity of your choice.
Dr. B. J. Smith, a longtime Dickson physician, died Monday, June 5, 2023, at Centennial Medical Center after a short stay.
B.J. was born in Old Hickory, Tennessee on January 17, 1934, and was a 1955 graduate of Middle Tennessee State and later The Medical Units of The University of Tennessee. He spent time as an intern and resident in both Nashville and Chattanooga, practiced a short time in Hohenwald, TN before settling down in the town of Dickson. A lifelong adherent of the phrase, “it is what it is”, B.J. went on to become a beloved figure in Middle Tennessee. Practicing medicine in Dickson most of his career, B.J. was highly decorated. He received the Frist Humanitarian Award, served on the Board of Directors for First Federal Bank, and was the President and Chairman of the Horizon Medical Center Board of Directors. He was even Dickson County Senior High’s team physician for over twenty years, and the B.J. Smith award is still given to an outstanding athlete each year. This is but a brief list among a lengthy resume’ of career accomplishments.
However, it was his demeanor, personal character, and professionalism that truly defined his life and career. Dr. Smith had a way of connecting with his patients that is seldom seen in modern medicine. As one family member said, “Doc was great about taking a patient’s entire health profile into consideration and treating a condition accordingly always with great compassion.” He inspired and helped many over the years, delivering babies, performing surgeries, training new physicians and employees, and comforting families and patients in their final hours. As a man of sincere faith, he also served as a Deacon in the Walnut Street Church of Christ.
B.J. had a slow and deliberate verbal delivery, but his words were always replete with sincerity, honesty, and intelligence. This disposition leant well to his pursuits and passions outside of his medical career. He was a loving father of four, a dedicated husband, and a proud American. He was an avid golfer and was also highly encouraging to other young golfers over the years. Among many other passions, Dr. Smith was a steadfast and lifelong University of Tennessee athletics supporter as well.
The themes of honesty and care in his life were most prevalent in his seventy-year relationship with his wife, Sue. She has always been his loving companion- a pillar of commitment, patience and encouragement and was an integral part in the social, professional, and spiritual life the two built over the years. Dr. Smith once said that “my goals have always been to honor God and serve my fellow man.” These were lofty goals but were undoubtedly achieved. His was truly a life well lived.
B.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel Carlos Smith and Mary Fleta Cruise Smith.
