John Lee Smith

John Lee Smith, a Bishop resident, passed away on April 28, 2011 at the age of 59. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 12, 1951 to Carl V. and Betty Jo Kassler Smith. John was retired from Celanese after 21 years of service as a welder. He was currently employed by Texas Parks and Wildlife as a boat mechanic.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. John was a very creative welder and enjoyed making BBQ pits, bumpers, brush guards, fish fryers, headache racks, and wood burning stoves. His hands were like magic. He could build anything.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughters, Jamie (Rusty) Ballard of Nederland, Texas, Tara (Heath) Burney of Kingsville, Texas; four grandchildren, Kendal and Kaylen Burney of Kingsville, Texas Cheyanne and Breanne Ballard of Nederland, Texas; two brothers, Carl C. (Nancy) Smith of Bishop, Texas, Kenneth (Mary Bea) Smith of Corpus Christi, Texas, and sister, Carla Sue (Jesse) Amaya of Orange Grove, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary on Thursday, May 5, 2011 with Fr. Peter Koziel officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.