[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     IN MEMORY OF DR. JOHN M. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2013

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
World War II Veteran and tremendous leader in rural healthcare, the 
late Dr. John M. Smith.
  Dr. Smith was quite a pioneer in his time. He was one of the first 
graduates from Caney Creek College, now know as Alice Lloyd College in 
Pippa Passes, Kentucky. After graduating from the University of 
Kentucky in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and valiantly 
served as a first lieutenant aboard the U.S.S. Weeden, serving in both 
the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns. Smith was later selected as one of 
the first recipients of the Rural Kentucky Medical Scholarship Fund and 
graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1949. 
After completing medical school, Dr. Smith decided to extend his 
service to our country by volunteering as a medical officer during the 
Korean War at the Louisville, Kentucky recruitment station.
  In 1951, Dr. Smith began his mission to provide healthcare to the 
people of southeastern Kentucky, in a rural region plagued by high 
rates of health disparities and limited access to healthcare. He opened 
his first medical practice in Beattyville, Kentucky where he faithfully 
treated patients for eleven years. However, his passion for additional 
education in the medical field also led him to practice radiology at 
Morehead Hospital, Woodford County Hospital, and the Lexington Clinic 
for a little more than a decade. In 1974, he returned to Beattyville as 
a general practitioner where he dedicated nearly 40 years of quality 
healthcare for the people of Lee and surrounding counties until the age 
of 90.
  He was involved in numerous civic activities, serving as a member of 
the Masonic Proctor Lodge 213, the Lee County Shrine Club, VFW Post 
11296, and the Kentucky Medical Association. He served as the Medical 
Director of the Lee County Constant Care and Geri Young House, and a 
member of the Lee County Board of Health.
  Dr. Smith leaves behind a devoted family: his loving wife, Patty of 
54 years; seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. 
His son, William, has been one of my most trusted advisers, working on 
my team since 1995, and now serving as my Chief Clerk of the U.S. House 
Appropriations Committee. Will's extensive policy knowledge and 
legislative wisdom has been vital for our nation's economy and for 
projects supporting the good people of southern and eastern Kentucky. 
On behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, I want to extend our deepest 
heartfelt sympathies to the entire Smith family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a tireless 
leader in rural healthcare and a true patriot, the late Dr. John M. 
Smith.

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