Paul W. Smith, D.P.M.

On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, the final curtain closed forever on the mortal life of Paul Wallace Smith, dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. The heart that had experienced 95 years of wonderment, love, and adventure, finally succumbed to the reality we all must face, that is the end of this earthly journey. His departure was not without fight, not because of fear or the mysteries of the beyond—only that same trepidation he had faced in his youth when leaving his dear Alice behind as he went to war.  Though he knew he loved her then, the past 71 years together made it almost impossible to say goodbye again.
 
Paul began his earthly voyage on September 18, 1922 when he joined Solomon Elias Smith and Mary Edith Miller and their other six children—Vauna, Norma, Thelma, Stanton, Ruth, and Keith at their family home on 900 East 800 South, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
 
In 1942 he joined the United States Navy, and after receiving specialized training as a Pharmacist Mate, he was reassigned to the Marine Corps and then returned to the Navy once the war ended and he was stateside. Paul was a recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds received during his heroic efforts on the Island of Okinawa.
 
During his furlough in 1945, he married the former Alice Belle Buckmiller on October 18th in the Salt Lake Temple. Their union produced five sons: Randall (Diane), Terry (Stephanie), Byron (Connie), Steven (Kim) and Stanton (Emily). From these offspring, their posterity has increased to 19 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren at present.
 
Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Paul completed his pre-med requirements at the University of Utah and went on to graduate from the Illinois School of Podiatric Medicine in 1952. He and his family returned to Salt Lake where he began his 42 year career as a Podiatrist.  Terry, Byron, and Stanton would later follow in their father’s footsteps, graduating from the same institution and for a time even practiced with their father.
 
Paul was an avid skier up until the winter of his 91st year.  He and his bride also traversed the continental United States, including Mexico and Canada on his Gold Wing motorcycle, and though Alice gave notice at 80, Paul continued smaller explorations on his bike until he was 92. During his middle years, he played a mean game of tennis and was also an avid participant on the greens until a few years ago. And though he was forced to put away the clubs, he continued to follow the game of golf via the television.
 
Paul’s carpentry abilities will long be remembered and appreciated. While waiting for the opportunity to take his boards, Paul spent that summer working for a building contactor. True to his personality, it wasn’t long before Paul developed skills that would enable him to later remodel an office space, finish several basements, and construct furniture. Many of his children’s homes, as well as grandchildren, show evidence of his workmanship. Only a month ago he was surprised to find that one of his grandchildren had undertaken a project without asking for his help.
 
One cannot ignore the spiritual or religious side of this great man. While he wasn’t one to flaunt his beliefs, he was forever faithful in his testimony of the Savior and his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He supported his older brother Keith on his mission, leaving himself with little to live on.  He served in many church callings and indexed thousands of records to aid in the genealogy efforts for the Church well before it grew in popularity. He and Alice were also members of the Temple Riders Group, which traveled on their motorcycles to attend temple sessions throughout the nation.
 
Paul was truly a man ambitious in his pursuit of knowledge.  He was frugal, yet giving. His love for his wife was inspiring. He was a man true to himself, who was not swayed by the influences of others.
 
Paraphrasing the words from “My Way” sung by Frank Sinatra, who Paul was privileged to see several times while stationed in New York, we pay tribute.
 
“You‘ve lived a life that’s full
You’ve traveled each and every highway
But more, much more than this
You did it your way.
 
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When you bit off more than you could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
You ate it up and spit it out
You faced it all and you stood tall
And did it your way.
 
For what is a man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows you took the blows
And did it your way.”
 
And now the end has come and we face that closed curtain.  And though our eyes are wet from tears we know that Paul received a joyous reunion with his parents, siblings, son Steven, granddaughter Tara Smith, and great granddaughter Caroline Smith.
 
The family would welcome your participation in joining them in the final tribute to this great man on Monday, October 16, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood 11th Ward located at 1830 East 6400 South, Murray, Utah as well as Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the same location from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  The funeral will commence at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah will follow the services.
Service Information
Viewing October 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM
1830 East 6400 South, Murray, Utah





Viewing October 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM
1830 East 6400 South, Murray, Utah





Funeral Service
October 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM
1830 East 6400 South, Murray, Utah