Thomas Joseph Smith

Dr. Thomas Joseph Smith of Hot Springs Village, Ark., peacefully passed away from his earthly home to his eternal home in heaven on Thursday, Sept. 14. He was born to Dr. William Morris and Mary O. Smith on May 21st, 1934 in Liberal, Kan., while spending his childhood in Guymon, Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue Smith Heltzel. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diana, along with his five children and his grandchildren: Susan and her husband, John Miles of Jonesboro, Ark., Greg Smith Sr., Glenn Smith and his wife, Candy, Mary Carol Taylor, and Cindi Smith, all of Little Rock, Ark. He also loved and is survived by Diana's family. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. William Robert, and his wife, Jo Ann and family. Affectionately known as "TJ", he graduated from Wentworth Military Academy, Oklahoma University who beat "The Ohio State" recently, and Oklahoma University Medical School. He completed his residency at UAMS and then practiced gastroenterology in Little Rock for 29 years where he co-founded Gastroenterology Associates. He was a clinical instructor at UAMS for over 10 years and served as the medical director and consultant on criteria for gastroenterology. He was a member of numerous national medical associations, serving president of one state association chapter. The scope of his philanthropic interests spanned the gamut from being a 32nd degree Mason, serving in the National Guard, to serving in on multiple committees from which so many benefitted. Two of the most notable were the Arkansas Prison System Medical Review Board and the Hot Spring Village library committee for expansion. TJ and Diana literally travelled the world, visiting all seven continents enjoying the wildlife the most. From penguins in Antarctica to the animal safaris in Africa, TJ loved it all, but he was just as content with the beautiful view from his deck or the beauty of Lake Ouachita. TJ loved to dance. Country western dance was a favorite of TJ and Diana's, but they enjoyed all types of dance, teaching classes, and loving it for over 15 years. They thoroughly enjoyed boot scootin' on their home's custom dance floor. TJ was dearly loved by his family, his friends, his patients, and his hospice and medical teams. Even people he'd never met were drawn to his infectious smile and generous spirit. He was a delightful fun-loving man. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19th at 10 a.m. at TJ's home church, Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, in HSV. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Dierksen Hospice in Hot Springs Village or Hot Springs Village Library. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale - The Hot Springs Village Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.