Dr. Bonner M. Smith, III

Dr. Bonner M. Smith, III

MOUNT WOLF - Dr. Bonner M. Smith, III passed away on December 30, 2020 at home with his devoted wife of 42 years by his side. Bonner was born May 24, 1943 to Bonner M. Smith II and Christine Trippe Smith, both preceded him in death.

Bonner had a full life which included playing minor league baseball and racing cars. He served as an accountant and owned car dealerships until he answered a higher calling. After witnessing an accident and seeing how long it took to get an ambulance to the scene, he worked with several people to start an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in his area in rural North Carolina. This led him to Physician Assistant School. But he met and fell in love with Melissa and the two moved to Baltimore Maryland where he decided nursing was more his calling. He started as a Certified Nursing Assistant, then Licensed Practical Nurse and finally became a Registered Nurse. Bonner always loved learning despite dealing with ADD and dyslexia and eventually earned his doctorates degree. He served at Shock Trauma in Baltimore, Maryland for many years. He also worked for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene investigating deaths for the Office of Health Care Quality.

Bonner was also heavily involved in politics. Dr. Smith believed in community service and loved making a difference in people’s lives for the better. He was very instrumental in getting the first bicycle helmet law passed in Maryland. He served in many political positions during his life including being Mayor of Stewartstown. His favorite duty as mayor was marrying people. He so treasured being a part of people starting their lives together.  

Dr. Smith is survived by his wife B. Melissa Smith, their sons Bonner Smith IV (Nicole) and Benjamin Smith (Ali) and his daughters Julie Leavel and Deborah McClearon as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Diehl Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Mount Wolf. 

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to your favorite charity or to Hershey Children’s Medical Center.

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