Dr. Samuel M. Smith, Jr., 75, of Irvington, Ill., entered into Heaven and the presence of our Savior on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at his home. He was born on December 22, 1947, the son of Samuel M. Smith, Sr. and Zina (Furlow) Smith in St. Louis. He married the love of his life, Linda Lea Barnes on June 16, 1984, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Wellsville. Linda survives him in Irvington.
Along with his wife of 39 years, Linda Smith, survivors that will remember Dr. Smith as a supportive, family man include his daughter, Rachel Smith of Irvington; his sister-in-law, Lisa (Kevin) Knipfel; special niece, Kayla; special nephew, Ryan; and numerous cousins, extended family members and friends.
Dr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Sr. and Zina Smith; and his daughter, Laura Rose Smith.
Dr. Smith valued education, graduating from McKendree College with his Bachelor’s degree and obtaining his Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. In 1983, he graduated from Washington University with a Doctor of Dental Science degree. His dental career began, and he met his beloved wife, Linda, at Wellsville. He was blessed to work alongside Linda, who was his dental assistant.
In 1984, Dr. Smith made the decision to serve his country with his dental skills and became a dentist in the United States Navy, serving at the Great Lakes. He was disabled while serving in the Navy. After being honorably discharged, he began his schooling for his PhD in biological materials through Northwestern. He was blessed to continue his dental career, purchasing Dr. Mick and Dr. McCall’s office in Centralia and providing attention to detail care to his patients until his retirement in 2015.
Dr. Smith was conscientious to always give back to his community. He served as a past president of the Ruritan Civic Club in Irvington and DAV treasurer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 446 in Centralia, Centralia Masonic Lodge Post 201, Knights Templar in Mount Vernon, Shiners Ainad Temple in St. Louis, the Elks Lodge in Centralia and the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton. He was on the advisory board of dental assisting at Kaskaskia College in Centralia.
Dr. Smith also belonged to many Sherlockian Societies, including Noble Bachelors in St. Louis, Chicago Hugo’s Companions and the Occupants of the Empty House in Du Quoin.
Family was of the utmost importance to Sam. He and his wife were a wonderful team, raising their family together in Irvington. Dr. Smith will be remembered for his perseverance and ability to work through any obstacle that he faced. His family and friends admired how he never let physical disabilities hamper his zest for life. With the wonderful care given by Linda, he was able to keep a positive attitude while living with Parkinson’s disease and strived to give his all to his family each day. Dr. Smith collected St. Louis Blues memorabilia and loved cheering for his favorite team with his daughter Rachel. Dr. Smith leaves behind a legacy of service, generosity, perseverance, integrity and love.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 4 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton with Pastor Nathan Wollenberg officiating. Interment will follow at Montgomery City Cemetery in Montgomery City. Friends are welcome to a visitation time from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Masonic rites will be accorded at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, followed by the Shriners walk through at the funeral home. Military rites will be accorded as well on Thursday at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia VFW Post 2055. A visitation time will also be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Aug. 4 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton.
Memorials may be made in Dr. Smith’s honor to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Hoyleton or Parkinson Foundation. Online condolences and memories of Dr. Smith may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfunerlahomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Dr. Samuel Smith with arrangements.
