Douglas Lynn Smith

Douglas Lynn Smith – Doug, as known by family and friends – was born on June 8, 1952, in Birmingham. He was a long-time resident of Sebring, Fla., and passed away on April 17, 2025, in Lake Placid, Fla., after a long, bravely fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  During the progression of the disease, Doug never complained about his worsening condition, rather choosing to quietly fight his battles with dignity, determination, and grace.

He is survived by his long-time, devoted friend and caregiver, Leon Gober; sister, Susan Sparks and her husband, Michael Sparks (both of Oneonta); brother, Harold Smith (of Vero Beach, Fla.); and nephews Eric Sparks, Kevin Sparks, and Jacky Smith.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Lynn Thomas Smith; mother, Mary Fay Smith; aunt, Ray Glenn (all from Oneonta at their passing); and sister, Marion Smith (from Huntsville).

He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1970.  Then he attended Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, and later graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.  

During Doug’s early career, he was an aspiring actor attending the HB Studio in New York City and also working in advertising in New York City, and then at Pizitz Department Store in Birmingham, Ala.  Later he worked in administration at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, Fla., and then in personnel management at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Ala.  He retired as Human Resource Manager from the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, Fla.

A caring soul, a loving spirit, and a witty personality; a life well-lived.  Doug will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.  Well done Doug!