John Talbert Smith

Born on July 16, 1980, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, John was the son of Bonnie Strickland Dawson and the late John Alton Smith.

John is survived by his precious daughters, Reagan and Parker Smith; his mother, Bonnie Dawson; his sister, Deanna Smith Mercer (Michael); nephews Carter, John Robert, and Ryan; his stepmother, Wanda Smith; his stepfather, Dudley Dawson; his grandmother Duckie Strickland, and many loving cousins and extended family members, including his former wife, Candice Smith.

John was a proud graduate of East Carolina University (Go Pirates!) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Over the years, John built a successful career in IT and sales, with experience at both Dell and Lenovo before recently transitioning to showroom sales with Wilkinson Supply Company.

Above all else, John was most proud of being a devoted father to his girls, Reagan and Parker. Cooking was one of his favorite hobbies; he took great joy in preparing gourmet meals for his daughters. He was also their biggest fan, spending countless hours supporting and coaching them in soccer, futsal, flag football, basketball, gymnastics, and rock climbing. Whether at home or on vacation, he loved training with them and staying in “soccer coach mode,” always ready for the next game or adventure. Lastly, to know John well meant you needed to know the lyrics to “Rocky Top,” the fight song of his beloved Tennessee Vols.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held on Sunday, September 14, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home in Raleigh with a reception to follow. A graveside service will be held at the Smith Family Cemetery in Goldsboro at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the JT Smith Educational Trust, established for John's daughters at this address, 128 E. Hargett Street, Suite 305, Raleigh, NC 27601.

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