Dr. Wayne O. Smith, 93, of Vero Beach, passed away Friday, March 6 at VNA Hospice House. He was born to the late Charles and Margery on November 15, 1926 in Elyria, OH.

He blessed the lives of so many people during his years spent as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, endodontist, Navy pilot, and dear friend. An avid bike rider and pilot, he could be seen riding in the streets or flying in the skies. Wayne practiced as an endodontist in a lucrative practice for 50 years, and for 30+ years, he commuted via his Cessna (761QY) back-and-forth to his practices in Vero Beach and Palm Beach. He became known around town as "The Flying Doctor."

He was a graduate of Princeton University and he often reminisced on the time when Albert Einstein taught one of his classes. He was a test pilot in the U.S. Navy and he served as a Lieutenant-Commander for many years, receiving several accolades. During his time in the Navy, he completed his doctorate in endodontics at Case Western University in Ohio. While he served as a test pilot, he was honored to fly with the Blue Angels for several months.

During the Korean War, his plane engine failed and he spent three days in the Mediterranean Sea. Wayne co-founded the Old Tailhookers group and he greatly enjoyed the time spent with his ol' buddies. He retired from his practice in endodontics in 2002 and he thrived during his summers vacationing in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he could often be found mowing, grilling, biking, or building.

He is survived by his wife, Lorrie, of 34 years. Wayne is survived by his children Courtney (David); Bradford (Tracey); Whitney (David); Kent and stepchildren Tracey (Raymond); Darrin; Brad (Jope). He is survived by his thirteen grandchildren Chase (Selene); Shannon (Benjamin); Lauren; MacKenzie; Jordan; Ian; Forrester; Katie; Wells; Zachary; Allison; Jennifer "Gigi"; Alexandra and three great-grandchildren Niko; Julian; Stella.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 26 at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds, with visitation at 11AM and service at 12PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to VNA Hospice House