He married the love of his life, Theresa Marie, on December 3, 1988 in Nacogdoches, Tx
Andrew was dedicated to serving his beloved country for 22 years in the U.S. Army during which time he served overseas tours in Korea, Germany, Turkey, Iraq and numerous stateside assignments. retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the Army he received numerous awards and recognition some of which included The Bronze Star Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Army Commendation Medal, 4th Award; and the Army Ahievement Medal 4th award. At the time of his retirement he served as Sergeant Major, Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery, 41st Fires Brigade, Fort Hood, Tx.
Once Andrew retired from the military he continued to serve with the U.S. Department of Defense as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan and most recently with the Corps of Cadets at Texas A & M University.
He loved to fish in his free time and enjoyed all sports, though his all-time favorite was basketball.
He has been a dedicated husband, father, friend and mentor to many and he will be dearly missed by all.
Andrew is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marie; three children Andrew (Dorothy) of San Jose, CA, Kaila of Houston, TX and Rolando of Ocala, FL; four grandchildren, Ja'Nay, Rolando Jr., Rahjon and Rolijah; three sisters Garnell Jones (Glastone), Carrie Johnson (Washington) and Leatha James of Immokalee, FL; four brothers Jerome Smith (Nancy) of Valdosta, GA, Fred Johnson (Wanda) of Ocala FL, Kenneth Johnson (Patricia) of Bradenton, FL, Aubrey Johnson and John Tillman of Immokalee, FL.
Andrew is preceded in death by parents Aubrey and Mary Johnson; and two brothers Alvin and Rayford Smith.
A visitation for Andrew will be held Friday, January 10, 2020 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Lloyd James Funeral home, 1011 East 1st Street Tyler, Texas 75701. A celebration of his life will occur Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM at St. James Missionary Baptist, 1020 S Lyons Ave, Tyler, Texas 75701. Andrew's Military graveside service will occur Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at Tyler Memorial Cemetery.
