Jay Smith

Dr. R. Jay Smith died peacefully at home in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 25, 2023, at the age of 65.

Jay was born in Birmingham on January 9, 1958, to the late Alvin (AJ) Joseph Smith and Mary Sue Limbaugh Smith. After high school, Jay attended the University of Alabama, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in the spring of 1980. He then continued his education at the University of Alabama Medical School and, following graduation, he participated in the Surgery Residency program of the Baptist Health System.

Jay won the Hugh Linder Award in 1990 as Best Chief Resident. He was a great contributor to the BBH General Surgery Residency program. There is no question that the residents adored him. He was beloved and respected for his surgical talents and wisdom. He served on many committees, and he was integral in starting a Bariatric Surgery program at Baptist Princeton. He received several teaching faculty awards during his career.

Jay's brilliance extended well beyond the field of medicine. He possessed an impressive knowledge about so many subjects. He was proud to be a rabid "Roll Tide" fan, no matter what the sport, even though football was his first love. Jay loved music and made significant financial contributions to give several local bands startup funding. He served on the Board of Directors of the Birmingham Cultural and Heritage Foundation. For recreation, Jay enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his Lake Martin home and on his boat, especially on the July 4th holiday.

He is survived by his sister, Sharon Smith Rea (Ricky), of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his niece, Danielle Egnoski, four grand-nieces and nephews, his aunt Shirly Latham, his uncle Larry Limbaugh and wife Sandy, and several cousins.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Ms. Kia Nelson for her kindness to and care of Jay in the last weeks of his illness.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 29 at 2PM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Alabama, 35244, following a 1:30PM visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Heersink School of Medicine, UAB Gift Records AB 1230, 1720 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294-0112, or a charity of your choice in his honor.