John R. "Buddy" Smith

John R. "Buddy" Smith, age 87, of Calera, Alabama passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Buddy enjoyed singing in their southern gospel quartet "Straight Way" with his wife, Shirley. Upon her passing, he formed a southern bluegrass gospel band "Heaven's Strings" which launched Burnis's singing career at age 80. He retired from ABEX in Calera after 36 years. Buddy enjoyed playing his guitar and singing.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Edith Smith; wife, Shirley Porter Smith; stepdaughter, Janice Brannon; brothers, Huey Blalock, W. T. Blalock, J. T. Blalock, Junior Blalock, Alvis Blalock and Leach Shelton; sisters, Irene Blalock, Inez Ayres, and Clara Bullard(Jack). He is survived by his wife, Burnis Smith; stepson, Mike Thompson; granddaughters, Lauren Thompson and Lindsey Thompson; great-granddaughter, Gabriella Mae Thompson; brothers, Charlie Blalock and Freddie Shelton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo), 3715 Hwy 25, Montevallo, AL 35115. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo), with burial to follow at Shelby Memory Gardens in Calera.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rockcofuneralmontevallo.com for the Smith family.