Thomas Allen Smith MD

Asheville - Thomas Allen Smith passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital on November 15, 2022. Tom was born on March 2, 1928, in Camden, TN to parents, Bob and Myrtie Smith. He was the eldest of three sons. He enlisted in the US military near the end of WWII and was stationed in Okinawa for two years as an assistant medic. After the war, he attended undergraduate study at Vanderbilt University and completed medical school at the University of Tennessee. During medical school, he held the highest grade point average in his class and was class president all four years. During his spare time, he held tutoring sessions for his fellow students. After medical school, he initially pursued emergency medicine before deciding to specialize in psychiatry. He interned at the US Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, followed by residencies at the National Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD, the Marine Corps School at Quantico, VA, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following his medical training, he headed up an aftercare program in Charlotte aimed at preventing patient readmission to Broughton Hospital. During a visit to Broughton, he was eating lunch in the cafeteria when he met Rachel, who was working at the hospital as an executive business secretary. He knew right away that she was “the one.” They were married at the United Methodist Church in Morganton and moved to Hickory where he started a private psychiatric practice with Rachel as his office manager. A year later, their first daughter, Ann, was born. In 1967, the family moved to Morganton where their second daughter, Sharon, was born. Tom worked at Broughton Hospital for several years where he supervised a unit of 500 patients and led a team researching treatments for schizophrenia. In 1970, the family moved to Asheville where he worked at Highland Hospital until the hospital was sold in the early 80s. While at Highland, Tom was a member of the Duke Medical School teaching staff. Following his career at Highland Hospital, he headed the psychiatric unit at Angel Hospital in Franklin, NC. He then went on to serve as director of a new psychiatric facility at Good Hope Hospital in Erwin, NC. He later transferred to Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro to serve as Head of Psychiatry. He was well-liked by patients and staff. In 1997, he returned to Asheville to enjoy his retirement with Rachel while remaining a tireless advocate for public mental health in North Carolina. Tom was a dedicated physician, son, brother, father, and husband. His other interests included reading, writing, art, and classic cars. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Smith of Asheville and Sharon Smith of Raleigh. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Paul Smith, of Corte Madera, CA, and Paul’s daughter, Marie Smith, of San Diego, CA. Tom was pre-deceased by his wife, Rachel, and his brother, Leon. A private service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders at https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/get-involved/ways-to-give. Morris Funeral & Cremation Service is serving the family and condolences may be sent to them at www.morrisfamilycare.com

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Thomas Allen Smith MD

March 2, 1928 - November 15, 2022