Douglas Aldridge Smith

May 17, 1925 - June 14, 2022

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Café And Then Some

101 College St #1A

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-2287 |

Friday 6/17, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Christ Church Episcopal

10 North Church Street

Greenville, SC 29601

864-271-8773 |

Friday 6/17, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Douglas Aldridge Smith, 97, devoted husband of Jane Burns Hicks, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was the son of Finis and Ada Whitehead Smith.

Following graduation from the University of South Carolina, Doug proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during WW II. He married Ina Rose Holcombe, his college sweetheart, and they moved to Greenville, her hometown. He worked in sales before embracing the new medium of television and working at WFBC-TV, where he eventually became Vice president and General Manager. He is credited with creating the slogan “your friend four” when the station changed call letters to WYFF.

Doug Smith was known as a man who was always looking for ways to promote his community. He’s credited with bringing the Miss South Carolina Pageant to Greenville and broadcasting the event live in prime time. He supported the Greenville Zoo, the Greenville Art Museum, the Greenville Jaycees and many other civic and community organizations. He was a creative and energetic force in making Greenville a better place.

He was accomplished in his career and celebrated by his community with numerous awards and accolades. In 1990, he was awarded the state’s highest civilian honor, The Order of the Palmetto. He was inducted into the SC Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2008.

Doug was an avid supporter of the Episcopal Church and served St James in many capacities before moving his current membership to Christ Church Episcopal.

In addition to his wife and her family, his legacy will live on through his son, Bill Smith (Susan) and their family and his daughter, April Long (Bob) and their family. He enjoyed the love and support of three step daughters and their families, six grandchildren and their spouses and partners and 5 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 66 years, Ina Rose Holcombe Smith and his two sisters, Maxine Gay and Frances Swayzee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Project Host and Christ Church

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Episcopal.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

Kathleen Jennings

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Café And Then Some

101 College St #1A

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-2287 | Map

Friday 6/17, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Christ Church Episcopal

10 North Church Street

Greenville, SC 29601

864-271-8773 | Map

Friday 6/17, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Douglas Aldridge Smith, 97, devoted husband of Jane Burns Hicks, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was the son of Finis and Ada Whitehead Smith. Following graduation from the University of South Carolina, Doug proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during WW II.Continue Reading

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Susan, Bill, and family, as a lifelong Greenvillian, I have fond memories of your dad from TV appearances. I admired his intelligence, wit, snd community-minded spirit. My mother died in March at 99. Both lived such rich lives and contributed so much to family and the Greenville community.

What a legacy for a man who brought joy and laughter to the Cafe. Have rich memories of Susan Bill Yvonne and all the rest of the delightful talented cast that gave the Upstate the best of Their lives! Honestly you all Come to mind often. I was living at the Davenport when y’all came through in the courtyard and performed a gig related to the textile mill! My Dad was present and special for him and me! Lots of love. Jane

Bill: We only learned of his passing after the service, the price of being out of town and out of contact. Fond and treasured memories. Don

Our Condolences to the family of Doug Smith. We have fond memories of Doug and his career in television broadcasting. Doug and our late father, Bill Garrison, were colleagues in the efforts that contributed to WFBC-TV becoming the premier television service in South Carolina. Gene Garrison Warrenton, VA Jan Garrison, Houston, TX

I felt like I only knew Doug a short time, but it was a good one - the tennis, meals at Augusta Grill will be specially remembered.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Special condolences and greatest sympathy to Bill and Susan Smith upon Doug's death. He was a very special friend to my brother Frank who passed away in 1991at 56. Both Frank and son Cory surcumbed to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome complications. We love you both! Best wishes! Hope to see more of you. Tom and Karen Mims

Such a great loss to our community. He was a force. Sending care and deep sympathy to his beloved family and legions of friends. A purposeful life, certainly well lived. RIP, Sir

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.