John Ernest Smith Jr.

John Ernest Smith Jr. was a man who knew how to build a house, fix a lawnmower, and plant a garden. There wasn’t much he didn’t know or couldn’t do—or at least that’s how it seemed to those who knew him. He was hardworking, smart, and responsible. But above all else, John was a family man, devoted at first to his mother and siblings and then to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

John was born on January 7, 1924, in Circleville, Texas, to Edna “Mim” Viola Schubert Smith and John Ernest Smith Sr. He grew up in central and south Texas. John skipped two grades in school, graduating at 16. He often informally tutored other students after school. He was precocious even after school, heading up a construction crew at only 18. After serving in the US Navy during World War II, John married Nelta Mae Simonton in 1947. They were happily married for 66 years, until Nelta’s death in 2013. He spent his early married years in California, but he moved the family back to Texas and spent the rest of his life there. He ran his own contracting business and worked for many years at the physical plant at Southwestern University. You might have even seen him working at the True Value on the Square in Georgetown after he retired. John died on May 21, 2019, in Georgetown, Texas. Though he was ready to go, he will be sorely missed by his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nelta; his parents; and his siblings, Marie, Vernon, and Charles. He is survived by his brother Jim; six children—Ron Smith and his wife Patty, Sandra Morena, Leigh Morello and her husband Tom, Sue Smith, Roger Smith and his wife Jana, and Shelley Smith; six grandchildren—Amber, Brett, Jennifer, Rachel, Claire, and Maddie; one great-grandchild, Taryn; and many, many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind the world’s best coleslaw recipe.

A visitation will be held from 5-7PM, Friday, May 24, 2019, at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

Graveside services will be held 2PM, Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Jonah City Cemetery in Jonah, Texas.