Dr. Phillip Frank Smith went home to Glory August 23, 2024 after a long illness with kidney disease during his stay at Carlyle House in Framingham.

Phil was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, December 28, 1934, to George Smith and Dorothy Forbes Smith. He attended the Atlantic City Public Schools. Though he had a tough time in school due to an undiagnosed learning challenge, he was determined to be the first person in his family to graduate from college. In fact, he worked hard to put himself through both undergraduate (Tuskegee University and University of Chicago) and eventually went on to the Dr Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.

While an orderly at the Mass Memorial Hospital, he noticed this beautiful nursing student. But it wasn't until his Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Dean made him attend the Christ Temple Church in Roxbury in 1957, bald head and all, where he recognized that same nursing student. After getting permission from Dean, he boldly approached and introduced himself to her. It was at that moment that he knew that he had met the love of his life, Edna Bridges and invited her to the KAPPA Ball the following week. Soon after, he would determine that she would be his life partner and married her a year later (1958). This union was blessed by God in marriage for the last 65 years.

After graduating from Podiatry School, he and his wife, and 2 young children returned to the Boston area to begin his professional practice in Dorchester, MA. He was the only Black Podiatrist in Massachusetts for 50 years and the only one throughout New England for 35 years. During that time he also served his community by providing podiatric care in 3 community health centers (Mattapan Health Center, Whittier Street Health Center, and the Martha Eliot Health Center) as well as several nursing homes throughout the city. A part of his practice included home visits to patients who were unable to come to the office for their care. In 1999, in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the community at large and his leadership in the Commonwealth's Health Care system, he received a proclamation from the House of Representatives. Whenever requested, he spoke to students and other groups about Podiatric Medicine in the hopes of encouraging other students of color to go into the field.

All his life he was an ambitious go-getter. Even as a young boy he spent his days "scrapping" metal and clamming on the seashores of Atlantic City to help his single mother afford groceries. An indication of his generosity and commitment to underserved communities and individuals, were often expressed in things like being the Chair of the Ecumenical Center in Boston for several years and his willingness to give to others along the way.

Phil loved his church, family, fishing, his patients, animals, particularly dogs, playing the piano, singing, window shopping, and traveling, especially with his wife and children.

He was a member of a small group of individuals who were responsible for the establishment of the Greater Framingham Community Church in 1972. In fact, Phil was the first Chair of the Diaconate Board and spent 43 years as a Deacon until he stepped down to become an Emeritus Deacon several years ago. When opportunity presented itself, he sang in the special Men's Choir throughout the years.

He leaves behind his wife; Edna W Smith, children; Kimberly Tatum (husband, Henry Tatum), Phillip F. Smith Jr (wife Sylvia Smith), Eric R.Smith (wife, Ivannia Smith), grandchildren; Corey L. Cofield (wife, Krystal Cofield), Dominique A. Bargaineer (husband, Gerald Bargaineer ll), Remington "Remy" A. Cofield (wife, Tori Cofield), Baylee A. Smith, John Rudolph "JR" Smith (wife, Maddison "Maddie" Smith), McKayla E. Smith (husband, Adrian Campbell), and Colby J.Smith, Goddaughter, Janice Carter (husband, Leon Carter), 9 great grandchildren, his brother, Carlton R. Smith (wife, Roberta Smith), and a host of other family members. He was predeceased by his father George Smith, mother, Dorothy Smith, brother, Donald Smith, and sister, Elvira Smith.