Staff Photo/RACHEL C. DOVE Pictured on the left is Williamson Councilman York Smith in a photo taken last September during his crowning as the 2011 Mr. King Coal. Presenting Smith with his award were AIM President Mae Stallard and Williamson Mayor Darrin McCormick. Smith had to undergo surgery on Thursday to have a portion of his right leg amputated following complications of diabetes and is currently a patient in CAMC Memorial.

slideshow

By RACHEL C. DOVE

Staff Writer

CHARLESTON - York Smith, a Williamson City Councilman who is known by a good majority of the residents of Mingo County due to the many years he has been a public servant is listed in serious but stable condition following the amputation of his leg on Thursday at the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC).

Smith has been a diabetic for many years and had developed health complications due to the disease that had caused problems with recurring infections in his lower leg and foot. After several recent hospital stays that included surgeries and countless regiments of antibiotics and treatment, the decision was made to perform a below-knee amputation of Smith’s right leg that the surgeon is hopeful will alleviate the life-threatening infection the Councilman had been fighting.

Smith was admitted to the hospital earlier this week after he began running a high fever and was experiencing kidney problems that was attributed to his high white blood count stemming from the severe infection in his limb.

Michelle Barker, granddaughter of Smith, told the Daily News on Friday afternoon that her grandfather had been moved to a private room on the 3rd floor of CAMC Memorial, which caused a big sigh of relief among his family members who had expected him to remain in Intensive Care for a few days.

During a phone call to Smith at CAMC, he seemed to be in good spirits considering the life-changing event he has been through, and stated that he wanted to tell everyone how very much he appreciated their prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

“I’ve got a long road ahead of me but I know I will get through this,” stated Smith. “The doctor’s told me I may possible get discharged from here on Monday if all goes well but I will be going to a rehabilitation program after that.”

Smith said that he is hoping he will be able to get fitted for a prosthesis after his leg heals that in time, will help him return to the lifestyle of getting out with his family and friends that was an important part of his life.

Smith is currently in Room 333 of CAMC Memorial and is allowed to have visitors. The direct number to his room is 304-388-9044, for anyone that would like to call and speak with him.

“We’re so happy to see how good he is doing so soon after surgery, and we can’t begin to thank everyone who said a prayer for him or took the time to call and see if there was anything any of us needed,” stated Barker.

“York is one of a kind and there will never be anyone that could take his place or fill his shoes. He means the world to us and we can’t wait to have him back home.”