John graduated from Athens High School in Alabama in 1964. After school he made his way to Florida where he worked with a beautiful woman named Cyndi. He remained diligent and won her heart, they were married in Fort Walton, FL in 1972. Shortly after the honeymoon, John enlisted in the US Army while still living in Florida. He served for 6 years, 7 months and 29 days. Three years he spent with his family in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1981 as a SSG and received the National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal - 2D Award; Expert Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.
John and Cyndi settled their family in Texas permanently in 1989. While living in Germany they would enjoy playing golf together. John also enjoyed poker, cheering on his football teams (Auburn University and Dallas Cowboys), and taking cruises. He was a jovial jokester who loved his family above all else. John was a master griller with a great sense of humor who loved to tell jokes.
John is survived by his wife, Cyndi Smith; his daughter Melissa Smith Otero (Enrique); and his son John R Smith (Deanna); his sister Sara McCoy (George) and his sister Lynn Huddleston (Jack); his granddaughter Jordin Tumlinson, grandson Corbin Moore, his grandson Jacob Otero, his grandson John R Smith III, his great grandchild Teagan Pybas and his great grandchild Hayden Pybas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Smith family.
