Morley John Smith, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2022 in a place he loved, Rose Creek, Arizona. Morley was born on February 1, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lee C. Smith and Margaret Edna Smith. He attended Salt Lake City public schools, graduating from Highland High School in 1970. Morley was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served two years in the Porto Alegre, Brasil Mission. He also served as a Bishopric First Counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher and several other callings. However, his favorite calling was Scout Master. Morley continued his education at the University of Utah graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. During that time he married Beverly Wood on August 28, 1974 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Morley and Beverly moved to Portland, Oregon for four years to attend The University of Oregon Dental School where he graduated first in his class. Morley continued his education for two years in Seattle, Washington earning a degree in periodontics. In 1981 they moved to Mesa, Arizona where Morley began his periodontal practice. He continued his education and became a periodontics and dental implant specialist. He was loved and well-respected by his patients, staff and fellow colleagues. Morley is survived by his loving wife, Beverly and children: Kimberlee (Mark Fleming), Trevor, Zachary and Brittany (Josh Mulcahy). Proud Papa to 5 grandchildren: Felicity Fleming, William Fleming, Ashlyn Fleming, Amelia Fleming and Eleanor Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents. Morley loved the outdoors from backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, competitive shooting, fishing and just puttering around at his cabin in Rose Creek. He was an avid photographer and had a vast knowledge of the natural world. He was able to travel to Europe, Africa and most recently a fishing trip to Canada and to Kauai. Trips to children and grandchildren were highlights in his life. His witty sense of humor and storytelling was enjoyed by everyone, well just about everyone. Some of his favorite sayings included: “Are you smarter than Google”, “This is the plan”, “Shoulda, woulda, coulda” and “I’m not asking you to push a handcart across the western plains”. Morley’s love for his family is unmeasurable. He would do anything for his children. He was proud of each one of them. All he desired was that they find happiness, peace and joy during their journey here on earth. Morley exemplified the Savior with his quiet, unselfish acts of kindness whether in word or deed. Morley, husband, father, papa, brother and friend will be greatly missed but his testimony that Our Heavenly Father and Savior live and the promise of eternal life will help us move on until we meet again. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , 234 N. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234. Family and friends may call Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. at Bunker Family University Chapel 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213.
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I love Morley Smith. I felt like I was invited into the inner circle of the dental brain trust when I started working with Mike Bailey, Paul Haycock, and Morley. Morley always treated me with kindness and respect. I could not have asked for a better dental next door neighbor. He had a contagious smile and laugh and shared them often. He never hesitated to walk to our endodontic office and give an honest evaluation when we were stumped with a diagnostic challenge. He was kind to our patients and was without peer in his knowledge and skill as a periodontist. He loved all things outdoors — shooting, guns, hiking, horses, guns, and shooting — but maybe not in that order. The only outdoor activity that I know he really disliked was golf — but he even gave that a try when our offices sponsored golf events. He was an honest businessman and shared with everyone his bounty. I will miss him greatly. I will miss the funeral because I am serving as a missionary with my wife. I hope it is broadcast. I will stop what I am doing to watch. Our prayers and mourning are with the entire Smith family.
We loved Morley. He was a wonderful human being and loyal friend. He had a way of always doing things right whether in his practice or life. His passing will leave a massive void in a lot of lives.
I remember Morley from High School at Highland! He always had such a friendly smile! I have lived in Arizona since 1983. I am sorry I didn’t know a classmate lived here so we missed an opportunity to be acquainted in our later years. I send my condolences to your family. I lost my husband’ Bob Moffett in 2004, so I share your feelings of loss and wish you an abundance of the Savior’s love at this time. May you feel His loving arms around you. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an amazing gift to your family and your testimony of Him will bring you peace.
Dear Smith Family;
May the good Lord bless you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have enjoyed working with Morley Smith. He was one of the kindest, funniest people I know. He was an excellent periodontist, but his family was always his top priority. I will miss you, Dr. Smith!
Morley was a dear friend of our family for many years. Our family was blessed to have known him and his family and had many wonderful experiences of love and support we felt from each other over the years. He had a very special relationship with my husband who passed away as well. I loved the stories my husband would tell me of the hunts they would do in Mexico. Morley was so kind and so appreciative of the friendship and Scott would say the same. Morley said such kinds words to me when I was mourning my husband and I will never forget his words of love and support. The world lost a good man when Morley passed away. What I want his family to know is that he will be with you always and he taught you to love life and be together as a family and that is a beautiful legacy he left you. May God fill your heart with peace and love from him as you mourn your father, husband, and friend. Love, Angie Clouse and the Late Scott Clouse.
I have such great memories of the Smith Family. I remember when you moved into 3 rd ward in Gilbert. Prayers and love to you Bev and the kids.
Bev, we are so sorry to hear of Morley’s passing. We have loved the friendship we have enjoyed with the both of you and your family through the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish we were able to come and put our arms around you at this time.
I am sorry to hear of Dr Smith’s passing. He was a wonderful, compassionate doctor who helped me so much. My sympathy to your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bev and your sweet family. He was too young to leave us all so soon. Somehow the Lord is in charge of our timing here in mortality and in the pre mortal realm. I know you can find peace and hope by trusting in the Lords will. We had the special opportunity to have you both in our home over the 8 week course of emotional resiliency. I came to love and admire him and his wisdom and love for the Lord. May you feel his presence with you always.
Morley will be missed. He was quiet and reserved. Always kind and willing to listen. He was fair to all of his staff and dearly loved by all of us. I have worked for and with him for 35 years and enjoyed every minute. He was an exceptional Periodontist. It was obvious that he loved what he did. He was highly respected by all. Morley we will miss you.
Dr Smith performed two surgeries on me due to my significant bone loss, which started at the age of 27. I appreciate how he treated me and he was a gentle and kind soul. He is gone too soon and will be missed by many. Thank you Dr Smith for your help with my periodontal issues. God Bless you
I loved Morley. He was my friend and there is huge hole in my heart in his loss. He was loved by all of our team and I am so happy that I had a chance to know this wonderful person.
I am stunned to learn of Dr. Smith’s passing, and so very sorry! He was my periodontist for many years and I had nothing but the greatest respect for him, and for his excellent skills! I am sorry to be so tardy—my most sincere sympathy to his family—I know they will miss him!
I’ve consulted in Morley Smith’s office for over 20 years. He was a kind man and an attentive dentist. He accepted changes, when mandated, and implemented them. He respected his staff and it showed. One of my all time favorite offices to work with. The community lost a very good doctor. It’s so sad he left so early but heaven will welcome him and we will see him again. RIP