Philip Houston Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Panama City, Florida, with family at his side, on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He was 90 years old.

Born on January 7, 1936, in Glendale, Florida, Phil was the son of Philip Wesley Smith and Ella Aurelia Jones Smith. He spent his childhood working alongside his parents on the family farm and in the general store.

Phil grew up in Glendale and nearby DeFuniak Springs and stayed close to relatives in Walton County and neighboring communities. As a boy, he was active in Scouting and enjoyed spending time outdoors.

He attended Glendale Junior High School, graduated from Walton County High School in 1953, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1958.

Following his graduation from the University of Florida, Phil volunteered for service in the United States Army Reserve. He served as a Battalion Clerk at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and was honorably discharged. Before beginning his pharmacy career, Phil returned to Glendale while awaiting the results of his pharmacy board examinations and licensure.

In November 1958, Phil became a registered pharmacist and began practicing in Marianna, Florida. There he met Ann Glisson, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage and three sons.

After moving to Panama City, Phil spent more than four decades serving the people of Bay County and was especially proud of his years as owner and operator of Smith's Pharmacy and Carswell Drugs in downtown Panama City. Known for his patience, kindness, and deep knowledge of pharmacology, Phil was a trusted resource for patients and colleagues alike throughout his career. Although he retired from active practice in 1999, he maintained his pharmacy license until 2015.

What began as a chance meeting grew into a partnership that lasted nearly 30 years. Phil and Noelle were married on November 24, 1995.

Together they traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, often with his cousin Regie Simmons and wife Patsy.

An avid reader throughout his life, Phil was a Master Gardener Emeritus, a devoted University of Florida football fan, and a member of First United Methodist Church of Panama City. He spent many summers with his sons at Crystal Lake, helping improve and maintain the family's lakeside retreat.

Phil was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club, and the Dixie Investment Club. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Emerald Coast Hospice.

Steady and even-tempered, Phil approached life with a calm, measured manner.

Modest and unassuming, he seldom spoke about his accomplishments. From his upbringing in rural Walton County to his years as a pharmacist, business owner, husband, father, and grandfather, he carried himself with the same humility throughout his life.

Phil was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Smith Higgins.

He is survived by his wife, Noelle Jeffcoat Smith; sons Michael Philip Smith, Kenneth Wesley Smith (Kaile'ula Makekau), and David Glisson Smith (Heloisa Soares); and grandchildren Isabella and Nicholas.

He is also survived by Noelle's children, Sylvia Prothro Hebert (Paul), Rusty Prothro, and Chuck Prothro (Liz); his niece, Danielle Detrick Dry (Jason), and their children, Carson and Caitlin; and many cousins, relatives, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Following the service the family will receive friends at the funeral home. A private family interment will be in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens at a later date.