John Henry Smith, Sr. was born on May 28, 1944 in Bristol, VA to the late Peyton Y. and Ada B. Smith.  He received his formal education at Douglas High School, Bristol, VA In 1964, he joined the Air Force and served our country proudly.  He accepted Christ at an early age and loved singing with the Male Chorus at True Rock MBC in Detroit, MI. Two of his favorite songs were 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Lord I Know You've Been So Good'.

He married the love of his life, Barbara Sue Blevins, in January of 1964, who preceded him in death. To this union, 4 children were born. John showed his family what it meant to stand strong in tough times and to take care of each other. Family meant everything to him for he truly loved his entire family. He took the time to give sound advice about life and stood beside his family to cover their wounds whenever they didn't get it right.  He made sure his family took trips to TN and VA every year for Thanksgiving and Easter. While having to listen to Quartet and Blues music for 9 hours we loved every minute of it!

In 1970, he relocated his family to Detroit, MI and started working at Diamond Heat Treating Plant.  In July 1977, he started his career at Ford Motor Company and was a member of UAW Local 600 and 3520 where he was actively involved. He was elected as a Committeeman while also working on various committees within the union. He was Built Ford Tough!!  In 2006,  he retired from Ford and moved back to his hometown of Bristol, VA to be close to his sisters, whom he loved dearly.  When he wasn't working you could find him cooking, "The Grill Master/Sauce King," painting houses or playing cards.

He was also a member of the F&AM Masons Frederick Douglas Lodge in Detroit, MI.

He later married Rosa Horton who preceded him in death in 2011. From this union, he gained 3 bonus children, Shannon, Spencer and Lance.

John is preceded in death by four sisters:  Barbara Beidleman, Ada "Pat" Black, Lillie "Penny" Brown and Pamela Martin Pope, and two brothers: Peyton "Buddy" Smith and Alford Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Shamone "Sherri" Johnson, Tiffany Agee (Keith), John "Soul" H. Smith, II and Rochelle Weathers (Albert); two sisters in law Callie "Cookie" Smith and Barbara Cox Smith, 1 brother in law William "Bill" Blevins(Joann); 7 grandchildren, Justin Foster (Alison), Shanae Johnson, Jonathon Smith, Jazmin Smith, Gilvanni Johnson Jr., Jessica Smith and Aniya Weathers. 10 great grandchildren, 3 god sons Paul E. Gibson, Michael C. Hannon and Marcus Burk.  He also leaves a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives, coworkers, and friends to cherish his memory.

Interment services for Mr. John Smith will be conducted Friday, June 9, 2023 at 2 pm from Mountain Home National Cemetery. The cortege will depart from R.A. Clark Funeral service at 1 pm. Celebration of life services will be conducted Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 1 pm. The family will receive friends from 12 pm until the hour of service.