J. Wayne Smith, M.D.

J. Wayne Smith, M.D. died peacefully at home after a 3-year battle with cancer in Monroe, LA, on February 21, 2023, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Smith was born June 5,1944, in Monroe and was baptized at First Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Neville High School in 1962 and attended Louisiana State University, receiving a BS in Zoology in 1966 and his MD from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1970. His internship training was completed in Shreveport in 1971. Dr. Smith was called to service in the Vietnam War, serving as a USAF Flight Surgeon, first as Wing Surgeon at Seymour Johnson Air Force base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and then to the 47 Tactical Fighter at Barksdale Air Force base in Shreveport.

Following his time in the military, Dr. Smith completed his residency in Shreveport in 1976 and began his career as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Greenville, South Carolina. While in Greenville, he developed a love for the mountains, hiking, and waterfalls. He became actively involved at First Presbyterian Church (Greenville), where he formed relationships that lasted a lifetime. In 1979, Dr. Smith relocated his medical practice back home to Monroe, where he attentively cared for his patients until retiring from private practice in 2008.

Dr. Smith was a founding director and chief of staff of North Monroe Hospital and President of the Ouachita Parish Medical Society. Additionally, he was a founding director of Ouachita Independent Bank. He also served as President of Bayou DeSiard Country Club. Dr. Smith served as a Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church (Monroe) and later as a Ruling Elder and Treasurer at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

J. Wayne Smith is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Culpepper Smith, and his daughters Rev. Shannon Kiser (Patrick) of Springfield, VA; Courtney McKay (Bart) of Arlington, TX; and Ragan Caputo of Vestavia Hills, AL; his grandchildren Catherine and Suzanne Kiser, Springfield, VA; Austin McKay, Arlington, TX; and Alise and Gabriel Caputo, Vestavia Hills, AL; his sister, Lynn Watson (Mike) of Charlotte, NC; his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Schween (John) and Patty Abell (Dixon); his brother-in-law Dr. Fred (Cheree) Culpepper; and his many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Fulkerson Smith and Ruth Murphey Smith, and his in-laws, Fred Carroll Culpepper, Jr., and Mary Frances (Boots) Culpepper.

To honor Wayne’s life of faith and to the glory of God, serving as Pallbearers are the Ruling Elders of Covenant Presbyterian Church: Gene King, Clyde White, Dr. Tim Mickel, Billy Haddad, Mike McInnis, and Mike Husted. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Session of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

A family graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, with the assistance of Mulhearn Funeral Home. The Memorial Service and Witness to the Resurrection will be at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., with Rev. John Mabray, Rev Jonathan Wagner, and Rev. Shannon Smith Kiser officiating. A Reception and Visitation will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Chennault Aviation Museum, or the charity of your choice.