I'll never forget my sweet grandfather. I certainly got my love of antiques and love of dachshunds from him! I have so many wonderful memories of him that I will always cherish. And I can't look at a bicycle without thinking of him. I'm so grateful that I'll get to spend all of eternity riding bikes down the streets of gold in Heaven with him one day!

My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Smith was a kind, precious, sweet soul. I will always be grateful to the Lord for the divine connection when he placed my mother and your dad together at Homestead Village. They shared a loving tender friendship that I will never forget and always recall with tears of gratitude for the rest of my days.

Major kudos to my Brother David and Sister Monique; they did a LOT to help Daddy during the past few years.  I am blessed to have these siblings, and write this for posterity and as a sincere "Thanks."

J.F. Smith was a sweetheart!  I got to know him when I was a newly-minted associate pastor at his church.  He always had time for a visit, a joke, and a mullet basket.  His faith showed through his words and actions, particularly to people going through hard times.  I will miss him!

I am not surprised by all the wonderful memories of JF. I wish I could have known him better. He was a man of God and obviously an encourager to others. It is an honor to have family like JF.

It was an honor to care for Mr. J.F. Smith  through his last days. His son Jay was one of the most devoted family members I have encountered in my role as a Hospice Social Worker. Mr. Smith will be dearly missed.

J.F. Smith was my brother's best friend, and he was a good friend of my wife and mine, even though we did not see him much.  We kept in touch with e-mails and now we keep in touch with his son Mark.  I wish we had all been able to be closer to each other physically, but that was not God's plans.  I know how much it hurts when a family member leaves this life, even when the years let us know it is close.  
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mark and Zina as well as the rest of J.F.'s family.

Unfortunately, I did not know Jay and Doris. From the posts, I see they were very special people. And their children are in turn reaching out to others with love and compassion. May your memories fill the emptiness of your loss. Peace, Lyn Nutt

We were very young when we first met,   Jay and Doris took us in and made us a part of their family without hesitation but with joy to do so. Although neither of them new us they adopted us into the Smith family and shared their lives with us.  I attribute a great deal of who we are today to the love and generosity that was spread upon us such a long time ago. our sympathy goes out to Mark and Monique and thier families.

Kevin & Penny Reed

I am so sorry that I couldn't be there at your dad's funeral.  Our family holds such good memories of him and your mom.  Hold on to your own good memories to help you through this time.  Judy and Butch Haynes

J.F. and Doris Smith were two of the best neighbors I ever had. For five years I was blessed to live across the street from them in dear old Myrtle Grove. They welcomed me into the family, as long as I kept the cat at home! The cat knew how much Doris hated cats and would rub all over her when she came over. Jay (as I knew him) was the perfect straight man when Doris was telling funny stories, but also was quick with a snappy line when he was left an opening! We played so many card games, but Doris always had to sit in the direction of the bathtub. Jay was happy to take the other place. He adored Doris, and the feeling was mutual. His hobby with the bicycles blessed many kids who weren't lucky enough to have a new bike from home. He would find pieces and parts, put them together to make a new bike, then use Comet and steel wool to clean the wheels and make them shine. Last the bike got a new coat of paint, then a new home. He was a man of wide and varied interests and information, and loved telling us stories. Mark, you and Monique were less than teenagers when I moved across the street in 1976, and grew quickly during the five years I got to watch you grow up. I miss them both, and hold their memories close. May God grant you peace and multiplied memories to hold dear during your span of years. Love to you both, Becky (Russell) Powers

JF Smith and his beloved wife Doris were much more than next door neighbors and friends for years.  We became like kin folks, family. One just gets close to dear, Christian people such as the Smiths. We were in and out of each other's house almost daily sharing something good to eat from a new recipe or just enjoying each other's company. To this day his wonderful children are loved as our own.
We will greatly miss JF and Doris and hope to meet them again one glorious day.

Mark - so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Father.  He was a good, kind hearted man.  I recall his humor and folksiness.  And, to be sure, he knew when we were maybe trying to pull a fast one, now and then.  He'll be greatly missed and fondly remembered.  Prayers to you and your family.  Peace be with you and all.  Edward (Eddie) Lane

I know how painful it is that he is gone.  He left a bounty here on earth in you and your siblings.  I know no finer man than you.  I do smile when I think of his reunion with your mom...what a blessed moment that was!  Sending you and yours all my love and prayers for peace.  He was a wonderful man, and he shall be missed.

May wings of Light take you gently to our Father.  Thank you for your time and dedication to your family and my friend for life.  Your son is a good egg and I'm honored to call him friend.

J.F. Smith.  The funniest uncle I ever had.  He was very nice and quick with a joke. I enjoyed what little time I had to spend with him. He will be greatly missed. The world was a better place with him in it. See you in paradise J.F.

well I didnt know smithy in his prime..however i met him when so much love was being shown to help him with his illness..however Smithy is in heaven where there is no illness no sadness or confusion. Peace Be with you sir..I'm very thankful for your children because they choose to help be apart of my life and they learned compassion and mercy from some remarkable folks..

We express our thanks to Mr. Smith's family for his service to our country. From a Navy family and former Pensacola residents.

I'm so sorry for your loss! I will not be in town, but my heart will be with you! Hugs and love and many prayers for your family and for the repose of your father's soul!

 I will pray for you for your loss. He raised a fine son who is a steadfast friend to me and many others. Your dad can go on for his eternal reward but I am sure that you will miss him.

J.F. was legend in our family as the funny, congenial, gentle uncle.  I am so glad he went peacefully in his sleep, and although he had dementia I imagine he had loving thoughts of his family and friends comforting him.  And-- he probably had a gentle joke at the tip of his tongue!  

Thinking of all of you with love, cousin Sue

After the grief subsides, you will be comforted by many warm memories. He was such a loveable uncle.
love, Betty

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

OBITUARY

J. F. Smith

May 22, 1926 – November 30, 2014

Oak Lawn Funeral Home

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