Dr. Calvin Perry Smith

April 25, 1939 - June 23, 2018

Calvin Perry Smith, DVM resident of Clewiston, Florida, formerly of Miami and Summerfield, Florida passed away on June 23, 2018 at the age of 79.

Although born in Conway, South Carolina, Perry grew up on a farm in Dallas, Florida. He was a 1957 graduate of Lake Weir High School. He attended the University of Florida and Auburn University, where he received the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1964. Immediately following graduation, he was drafted by the US Army where he served as Veterinarian at the rank of Captain. Upon his discharge he moved to Miami, Florida where he practiced veterinary medicine for 40+ years. As owner of Trail Animal Clinic, Inc. in Miami, he became active in both the local and state veterinary associations, serving as President and Treasurer of the South Florida Veterinary Foundation and President of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and two Dedicated Service Awards by the SFVMA for his numerous contributions to the association and community. In 2007 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. This is the single most prestigious award that can be given to any veterinarian in the state of Florida.

Since his retirement, Perry has owned and managed P A Smith Ranch Property, LLC, a 2500 acre working cattle ranch in Hendry County, where 500 head of cattle reside. When he wasn’t rounding up cattle, building fences, mowing pastures, spraying Florida Holly, or driving the front-end loader, he was sitting on the steps of his log cabin hand feeding the deer and wild turkey that hung out around the house. That ranch meant the world to him and until January 2018 he ran it single handed, except during round up time, when he brought in the “cowboys” and “cow dogs”.

“Dr. Perry”, as he was called, will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Adele E. Smith, and his son, Perry F. Smith, DVM (wife, Jill), his brother, Frank Smith and his grandchildren, Hayley and Madison Lemery (17), daughters of Kay Smith Lemery (deceased), Cole Smith (14) and Jacob Smith (13), sons of Perry and Jill Smith. His animal family include his dog, Tramp, his cat, Kitty Kitty, his horses Cowboy and Calvin and Bambi the pet deer.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Kay Smith Lemery, father and mother, “Buck” and Elouise Smith, his brothers, Jerry and Juddy Smith and his sister-in-law, Patricia Smith.

The ashes will be spread under the oaks, where the deer and turkey feed, at the ranch (27425 Smith Ranch Road; Clewiston, FL) on September 1st to which family and close friends will be invited.

Memory donations can be made to: Auburn University Foundation; Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (Small Animal Medicine), 317 S. College St; Auburn, AL 36879 or to the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, Inc. PO Box 421929; Kissimmee, FL 34742-1929.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Gigi Lazenby Feb 8, 2022 at 11:37 am

    Dr Perry Smith was my vet until I moved away from Miami in 1982. Dr Smith would have been the only reason to stay there. He was wonderful and I had great respect for him. He took care of my St. Bernard, Maggie and my skunk, Shemp. Both animals had life-threatening and serious problems, but Dr Smith saved them both. He was so smart and loved animals so much. I could say so much more, but it saddens me to learn of his passing. He was truly a great doctor and helped me so much. I hope to meet him again in Heaven one day.

  2. Anonymous Mar 9, 2022 at 11:26 am

    I truly miss him and will keep everything he ever taught me in my heart forever.

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