Wendell Franklin Smith

Published 9:41 am Monday, June 23, 2025

Wendell Franklin Smith, beloved brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed into the arms of his Savior and was reunited with his cherished wife, Carol, on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on August 20, 1940, in Seminole, Oklahoma, Wendell grew up in Sylacauga, Alabama, where his love for music blossomed under the guidance of a local piano teacher and through playing viola in the high school orchestra. After graduation, a last-minute music scholarship led him to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he not only honed his talents but also met Carol Lee Chambers, the love of his life. Their marriage became the cornerstone of a life filled with devotion, faith, and service.

While teaching music early in his career, Wendell discovered a passion for speech pathology, a field that would define his professional legacy. After earning his master’s degree and later a PhD from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, he returned to Alabama to join the faculty at the University of Montevallo. There, as a professor and later chairman of the Department of Communication Science & Disorders, he inspired countless students with his knowledge, insight, and kindness. Known affectionately as “Dr. Wendell,” his towering 6’8″ frame and quirky black VW Bug made him a campus icon. His dedication earned him the prestigious Founder’s Day Award for Outstanding Commitment to Teaching and he was also named the UM Academic Grand Marshal.

Wendell’s deep Christian faith shaped every aspect of his life. He served joyfully in churches throughout his life, singing in the choir at Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, being ordained as an elder at Evangel Church PCA, and lending his wisdom to the board of Evangel Classical Christian School. After his retirement, Wendell and Carol filled their days with travel, visiting their children and grandchildren, and nurturing lifelong friendships. Their shared love for service took them wherever God called. Following Carol’s passing in 2013, Wendell remained in Calera, Alabama, until 2021 when his family persuaded him to move to Dallas to be closer to them. In his final years, he found a warm community at Providence Presbyterian Church, where he delighted in watching his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter lead worship.

Wendell was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol, and his parents, Cloyd and Thelma Smith. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children, Jonathan Randolph Smith (Jill) of Dallas, Texas, and Sarah Elizabeth Kelley of Andalusia, Alabama; his six adored grandchildren, Austin Luke Kelley, Brighton Nathaniel Smith, Savannah Faith Kelley, Jenna Marguerite Smith, Ashland Grace Kelley, and Hudson Samuel Kelley; as well as four brothers and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at Evangel Church PCA in Alabaster, Alabama, on July 1, 2025. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Wendell’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org), the University of Montevallo (montevallo.edu/give/momentum), or Providence Presbyterian Church (providencedallas.givingfire.com), to honor his commitment to compassion, education, and faith.
Wendell’s life was a testament to faith, family, and the joy of service. His gentle spirit, infectious warmth, and unwavering commitment to those he loved will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.