John Charles Smith, Jr., 76, of Pensacola, passed away peacefully after a long illness, with family at his side on June 01, 2014. He was born the youngest of three children on June 9,1937, in Aurora, IL and was rasied there by parents, John C. Smith, Sr. and Sarah Helen Kyes Smith. He leaves behind his two daughters, Christina (Asif) Malik and Jennifer (Chris) Dykes; 5 grandchildren; April, Ashley, Jesse, Faisal & Faizan. He was predeceased by sisters, Wilma Moss and Mary Hazier.
At 19, John enlisted in the Navy and served for 29 years at various duty assignments. He then worked at Pensacola Jr. College for a number of years.
John was a member of American Legion Post 240, the Warrington Elks 2108, Am Vets 292 and VFW Post 706, where he made many of his closest friends.
He loved the outdoors and stayed active by going on fishing, boating and camping trips with his friends and family. He was loved, respected and will be missed by many.
A visitation will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 5pm to 7pm. The funeral, officiated by Pastor Terry Pool, on Friday, June 06, 2014 at 10:30am, followed by full military honors and interment at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:45am. There will be a reception to follow at the American Legion 8666 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola 32507, from 1pm to 3:30pm. Oak Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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