Don Wayne Smith

Dr. Don Wayne Smith, 79, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, passed peacefully surrounded by love in Jacksonville Beach October 2025.

Born in Freer, Texas, to Marguerite Irene Yarbrough and Weldon Day Smith, Don lived a life as full and vibrant as the ocean he loved. Gifted both in mind and spirit, he earned a football scholarship to Tulane University, where he played for four years before pursuing medicine — a calling that became both his career and his passion. Early in his career while pursuing medicine he proudly served in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge.

Don was a deeply respected and loved Emergency Medicine physician, serving for many years as the Medical Director of Baptist Beaches Emergency Department. In moments of urgency and uncertainty, his calm strength and playful sense of humor brought comfort to countless patients, families, and colleagues.

Beyond his professional life, Don’s heart loved the sea. He found peace and adventure in offshore fishing. He loved the music in the rhythm of the waves, and the profound beauty of nature.

He was fond of picking flowers for the table, telling jokes, spending time with animals and children, sharing good times with friends and chilling in his extremely organized garage.

He colored the world with love and kindness; he was always available for medical advice and his ingenuity could easily find creative solutions.

His family and friends will forever cherish his “Don-isms” — those unforgettable sayings that revealed both his humor and his wisdom, a language of laughter uniquely his own and left those around him laughing long after he had left the room.

Don was a loving father to three children from his first marriage to Susan Jane Stevens Boyce — Bryan Dae Smith, Tiffiney Ann Johannesen and Pearish Jane Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Keel Smith; his sister, Diane Dae Smith; and his eldest child, Dr. Pearish Jane Smith.

A Celebration of Life honoring Don will be held in 2026, where family and friends will gather to share stories, memories, and love for a man who made every tide, every smile, and every moment matter.