John was born to Sam Houston Smith and Gertrude Lenora Smith March 14, 1941, in Bosque County.

He left home in his late teens and served in the U.S. Army. After returning home, he married Betty Jo Simons on July 26, 1963. They were married for 46 wonderful years.

He was a truck driver for most of his life until his retirement. After his retirement, he loved spending time with his family, reading his Bible, doing his word search and enjoying his westerns. He also looked forward to going to the coast every year with his kids and grandkids.

John loved all of his children and grandchildren dearly, and shared a very special bond with his grandson, Austin.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; and four brothers; Frank, Clifford, Wayne and Lloyd.

He is survived by two brothers, Willis Lee (Dora) and Lucky (Gloria); two sisters, Betty Perry and Corine McPherson; sisterin- law, Jo Ann Smith; two sons, John Smith (LaNiece) and Paul Smith (Sheryl); two daughters, Brenda Stroud (Gregg) and Mary Jones (Jon); 11 grandchildren, Joshua Jones (Cheyenne), Corey Jones, Warren Stroud (Ashley), William Stroud (Sarah), Samantha Chicas (Oscar), Brandon Jones, Austin Jones (partner Montavia James), Ashley Ventura (Carlos), Paul Smith Jr., Ryan Smith and Alison Smith; 12 great-grandchildren, Adaliena, Loretta, Wade, Annie, Ryder, Ember, Colton, Noah, Wyatt, Ryleigh, Ezra, Eli and two on the way.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Providence in Taylor. Services will be Aug. 10, at 9 a.m. at Providence Funeral Home, followed by burial at Young’s Prairie Cemetery in Elgin.