He grew up in Lexington, SC. He was a member of Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, where he was active in the youth group growing up. After graduating from Lexington High School, John attended Spartanburg Methodist College. John then moved to Charlotte, NC where he spent his career in the hospitality industry event planning for upscale hotels, restaurants, where he had the privilege of working with several well-known celebrities. John loved celebrating with music and friends while enjoying the exciting nightlife of Charlotte. He was an outstanding cook, never met a stranger and always offered a smile for those he was around.
He is survived by his parents of Lexington; brother, Richard L. Smith of West Columbia; sister, Lisa Elvington Leap of Florida; aunt, Barbara Enders of Charlotte, NC; uncle, Thomas (Anna Marie) Johnson of Philadelphia, PA and numerous cousins and friends. John was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Josephine Traficante; paternal grandparents, John and Evelyn Smith; uncles, Alan Enders, Milford Johnson, and John L. Smith, Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1413 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Memorials may be made to Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church at https://www.centennialarp.org/.
