John Charles Smith

John Charles Smith, affectionately known as Johnny, born July 8, 1951 the eldest child of Geneva and John. Those are the facts, but the facts don’t scratch the surface of the man he was. He cared deeply about his family though he struggled with how to express his love. A gentle giant with a wry sense of humor that you might miss if you weren’t paying close attention. If you met him in his twenties you probably learned that he had a crush on Barbara Streisand. If you met him in his thirties, it was probably on one of the rare days when he wasn’t driving a truck delivering furniture all over the country. He loved his family deeply and when his first child, his beloved daughter Tabitha, was on the way he shared that news with his own father by tucking a photo of the sonogram into a Father’s Day card. Johnny also loved and respected animals and they were instinctively drawn to him as well. His cat, Tiger, would often sit and stare at him for hours, his eyes round with wonder. His work ethic was ingrained and when he was on firm footing he was a reliable and valued employee. Retirement was a difficult adjustment but he filled his time bowling and playing cards with his brothers. He enjoyed reading thrillers and watching action movies. He could clean a kitchen so that it sparkled, usually after making his favorite meal, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. He was always tempted by a slice of excellent pie, cake or cookies. During his final illness, his only sister, Mary Hazel, provided him with love and care, despite her life long claim that her tonsils had been removed only so Johnny wouldn’t have to undergo the procedure alone. During his final days he was surrounded by family and friends and was blessed with several days overflowing with love. He will be missed by all who knew him and his closest family—Tabitha, Mary, David, Michael, Gary, John Eric, Gentry, Bunny, Frances and Michael Lynn will carry his memory in their hearts and forever be grateful that they knew him.