John Raymond 'J.R.' Smith

Beloved by all, John Raymond Smith, age 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 19, 2016. Born in Williamson, WV, John Raymond grew up in South Williamson, KY. As Class Treasurer, he graduated from Williamson High School. There, he was a member of the National Honor Society, President of Key Club, and a member of the football team, baseball team, and band. During that time, he earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. Goal oriented, John Raymond excelled in everything he did. After high school, he continued his education at the University of Kentucky. John Raymond was a member of the fraternity Delta Tau Delta and graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 1970.

After graduation, he joined his father, John Smith, at their Nehi Bottling Company in Williamson, WV. Years later, the bottling company was destroyed by one of three floods and closed. John Raymond decided to pursue other avenues in a warmer climate and moved to Florida in 1984. There, he became known as J.R.

J.R. started his Florida career with Major Pharmaceuticals as a Southeast Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. This position took him back to his beloved WV/KY home many times during the years. At Major Pharmaceuticals, J.R. met the love of his life, Julie, who he married in 1995 with his mother, Esculene Hall Smith, as his best “man” and Julie’s young daughter, Lindsay, as the flower girl. In 1997 his family became complete with the birth of their son, Brandon. Wanting to stay closer to home, J.R. left Major and joined AbbVie (formerly Abbott Laboratories) as a Pharmaceutical Territory Manager. J.R. excelled in this position, earning five All Star Summits, the highest sales award for the company. His success came directly through his ability to connect with people. Helping others and being a sincere friend to all was his strength. He had a magnetic personality, was a mentor to others, and generous with his time and resources. One thought he was special only to them, but then quickly realized, he was special to all.

John Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, John Smith and Esculene Hall Smith. He is survived by his wife, Julie, daughter, Lindsay (Sean Jakober), son, Brandon, God-daughter, Katelyn Trane, and many friends he considered family.

Visitation is planned for Friday, September 23, 2016, from 6:00 P.M.~ 8:00 P.M. in the Oceanside room of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, located at 548 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 9:30am at Ormond Beach Presbyterian, located at 105 Amsden Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in J.R.’s honor at www.pancan.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, to further the efforts in a cure for this horrible disease. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com.