Johnie M Smith

Johnie M. Smith, 84, of Raytown Missouri, passed away on October 13, 2025, in his home, after an extended illness. He was born on June 20, 1941, to Lorine Dovie (Whittaker) Smith and James Warner Smith in Walnut Ridge Arkansas. Johnie graduated from Hoxie High School in Hoxie Arkansas in 1959 and moved to Kansas City Missouri where he began his career with General Motors. He was drafted into the army in 1963 and fought in Vietnam until he was honorable discharged in 1965. Upon his return, he continued his long career at General Motors where he worked for 38 years.

Johnie met his bride, Linda Lou Edwards in 1966 while attending church at Raytown Church of Christ. They were married on December 14, 1967, and were blessed by their only son, Douglas Edward, on May 10, 1973. In his spare time, Johnie enjoyed spending time at his farm in the Ozarks where he hunted and fished with his family. He could spend hours sitting on the deck watching for deer and enjoying nature. He also loved returning to his hometown in Arkansas to visit his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Warner & Lorine Smith, a brother Ray Smith and his sister Ruth Smith. He is survived by his wife Linda, son Doug (Kristine) Smith, his grandchildren Owen Smith and Ava Smith, a brother, Paul Smith, a sister-in-law, Toleda Smith and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Raytown Church of Christ, 6000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown Missouri 64133, at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 19, 2025. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm. Johnie will be buried at a later date in the Whittaker Cemetery in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home. 3132 N. Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.