Dr. Oliver (Buddy) Smith, Jr. is the son of Dr. Oliver R. Smith, Sr. and Lois E. Smith. He has two sisters, Sandy G. Smith (Campbell) and Shelley A. Smith (Harding).
Buddy was born in El Paso, Texas. Upon his graduation from High School, he completed his pre-chiropractic studies at the University of Texas El Paso, San Jacinto Junior College and Lee County College.
He attended Texas Chiropractic College from which he graduated in 1975, where he made many lifelong friends. Upon graduation, he returned home and entered into practice with his father which was one of the greatest experiences of his life.
Several years later, he met and married his wife, Laurie Jane Smith in 1978. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Oliver R. Smith, III, Marilyn E. Smith (Kelley) and Stephanie A. Smith (Clark).
Dr. Smith, Jr. was encouraged by his father to "always give back to our profession" which prompted his lifetime of service to the Chiropractic Profession.
He has served in every position in TCA District 1 including State Director and has been selected District 1 Doctor of the Year several times.
In 1982, he was honored with the Young Chiropractor of the Year award, one his son also received in 2020.
Dr. Smith was one of the early DCs called on to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Committee in Washington, D.C. regarding the inclusion of chiropractic in Champus.
Dr. Smith ultimately went through the executive chairs of the Texas Chiropractic Association and was elected president from 1984-86. During that time he was also president of TIC-JAC, which was a collaboration of both DCs and members of the insurance industry designed to create a better understanding of chiropractic procedures and billing. Also, while TCA President, he represented the TCA at the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and was elected secretary.
He received a Fellowship in the International College of Chiropractic.
In 1987, he was honored to be appointed by Governor William Clements for a six year term to the prestigious 18 member Board of Health. Dr. Smith was only the second DC to ever be appointed to that board. He was ultimately elected to serve as secretary and he also chaired the nationwide search to replace the retiring Commissioner Dr. Robert Bernstein.
In 1988, he was the recipient of El Paso's "Ambassadors Award" for bringing the TCA annual convention to the city.
In 1995, then Governor George Bush appointed him onto the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners where he served as president. This was a special honor as his father previously served on the TBCE.
In 1997, Dr. Smith, Jr. was honored with the Keeler Plaque, which is the highest award bestowed in the state of Texas by the TCA, an honor his father also received in 1985.
While president of the TBCE, he represented Texas on the Federation of Chiropractic License Boards (FCLB). He was elected Board Chairman of the FCLB in 2001 and ultimately went on to serve as president from 2007-2009. During his tenure, he brokered a long term funding agreement between the FCLB and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE)
He received the Avidson Award from the FCLB, which is the highest honor given for chiropractic regulation.
While president of the FCLB, he concurrently served on the NBCE. He served on that board from 2005 to 2013 and was elected Secretary of the NBCE in 2012.
Dr. Smith has been active in his church and served on the Southwest International LIvestock Show and Rodeo Board for many years. He was the Rodeo Board President from 2003 to 2007. He is, also, a Pro Sport certified Chiropractor and provided care to rodeo contestants for over 20 years. He has been the team DC for the University of Texas El Paso for over 30 years and has treated a number of high school, collegiate and Olympiac athletes.
Dr. Smith was further blessed when his son, Dr. Oliver R. Smith, III, joined him in practice in 2009 which makes three generations of chiropractors.
In 2013, Dr. Smith, Jr., proudly served one year on the TCC Board of Regents.
Since 2014, Dr. Smith has been on the parker University Board of Trustees and has served as Chairman since 2016. While Chairman, Parker University was recognized for their leadership by the Association of Governing Boards and in 2020 was presented the prestigious John W. Nason Award.
Once again, I am so honored to have received this incredible award.
