Ralph W. Smith Jr., 68, physician with 'magnetic personality'

Ralph W. Smith Jr., a physician, had a way of charming people.

"He had a magnetic personality," said his sister, Karen Smith Chappelle.

He maintained a professional demeanor, "but he could say something that was so hilarious," she said.

Dr. Smith, 68, of Voorhees, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

He was born in Philadelphia on Jan. 5, 1948, to Ralph W. and Emma Harris Smith as the older of two children.

Growing up in Germantown and Mount Airy, he was known as "Pete." He was a graduate of Germantown High School.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Howard University, where he participated in the ROTC program. He obtained his medical degree from Temple University.

After medical school, he completed a family medicine residency at what was then Hahnemann Hospital. He then served in the Army and was honorably discharged as a captain.

Dr. Smith worked for 20 years in private practice as a family physician. He also worked for AFSCME District Council 33, the Philadelphia Prison System, and Hahnemann's drug detox unit.

He was medical director at Graterford Prison from 2000 to 2002.

Then, from 2004 to 2007, Dr. Smith served as medical officer or medical director at three other prisons: one year as director at the Philadelphia Detention Center in Holmesburg; a year at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County; and a year at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.

His most recent job, from 2008 until becoming ill the summer of 2016, was as a program physician at Parkside Recovery Center.

His interests included collecting art, watches, and performing magic tricks. He had a fascination with cars. He even tried his hand at selling Amway products.

Dr. Smith was a member of the National Medical Association, the National Association of Residents and Interns, and the Association of Black Cardiologists.

He was a member of the Ramblers Club. And because he was a good friend of a Ghanian chief, he was an honorary chief in the Asere quarter of Accra, Ghana.

In addition to his sister, Dr. Smith is survived by two nephews. A son, Brian Jordan Smith, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Second Baptist Church of Germantown, 6459 Germantown Ave. A viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. A repast will follow the service at the church.

Interment is private.

@ValerieRussDN