Arthur Neil Smith III, M.D., known to all as Dr. Neil, of Lottie, Louisiana, passed away on April 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as rich and full as the life he lived.
Born in New Orleans on June 9, 1940, and rooted deeply in Lottie, Dr. Neil was a celebrated neurologist who practiced until December 2023, driving from Lottie to Baton Rouge every day because he simply loved his patients too much to stop. Known for his exceptional diagnostic skill and his gift for truly listening to his patients, they loved him in return.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Neil lived with passion, most of all in the field. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, falconry was among his many pursuits, and some of his finest hours were spent hunting alongside his sons. He was equally at home in the kitchen, cooking for the people he loved.
Dr. Neil was direct, principled, and never shied away from speaking his mind. He stood for doing the right thing, and he lived exactly the way he wanted to live.
He is survived by his children Arthur Neil Smith IV, Dr. Suzanne Shaye Luckett, Keely Smith Duval, Marcus James Smith, and Dr. Christian Neil Smith, and his grandchildren Charlee Duval, Dakota Cline, Dr. John Paul Luckett Jr., Brandon Luckett, Laure’n Luckett, and Isaac Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Miles Smith of Grosse Tête (1914–1989), and his father, Arthur Neil Smith Jr. of Vicksburg, MS (1916–2015).
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Belsi Santiago for the extraordinary care and compassion she provided during Dr. Neil’s time in hospice. Her dedication brought great comfort to him and to all who love him.
A visitation will be held at Niland’s Funeral Home in Livonia, LA. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Visiting will also be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Livonia from 10 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. The interment will follow in Cottonwood Cemetery in Lottie, LA.
