John Smith, age 79, passed away September 7, 2023.
Visitation: 1pm to 2pm Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 2pm Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Graveside Service: 3pm Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Andrews County Cemetery (Old)
John was born October 16, 1943 in Big Spring, Texas to Forrest Bowley Smith and Willie Mae (Ligon) Smith. John grew up and graduated from high school in Andrews, Texas. While in high school he excelled in basketball and academics. After high school he attended Texas Tech before returning to Andrews to marry Tina Dunn. Sadly, Tina died in an auto accident shortly after they were married.
John fascinated all who knew him with his abundance of sports knowledge. He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to stats and history of any kind of sports. He always loved social hour and looked forward to seeing his “Thirsty Thursday Bunch”.
John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Loree Smith; brothers, Bobby and Tommy Smith; and sister, Geraldine Baugus. He leaves behind his sons, Joel Smith and wife Lisa and John Smith and wife Alisa; daughters, Tammy Cathey and husband Larry, Kassie Smith and Gena Himes and husband Steve; grandchildren, Valeri Smith, Fisher Smith and fiancée Jasmine Vidauri, Michael Cargill, Calee McGee and husband Adam, Hollee Lavi and husband Dean, Logan Smith and wife Caitlyn, Haiden Smith, Erin Smith, Waylon Smith, Rance Cathey and wife Callie, Lacey Dark and husband Eddie, Trenton Carruth, Ashley Cathey and Larry Cathey; great grandchildren, Jaymee Plant, Adalee McGee, Hazel Smith, Sorrel Smith, Ryker Cathey, Cash Cathey, Easton Cathey, Lane Cathey and Marlee Cathey; brother, Emory Smith and wife Suzanne; sister, Sally Carruth and husband Billy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Logan Smith, Fisher Smith, Waylon Smith, Rance Cathey, Forest Smith, Paul Sadosky and Reed Poteet. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Thirsty Thursday Bunch.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Uncle Johnny has always been a bright light in my life. We talked on the phone often and he always made me feel so loved and cherished. He loved to have a good time and for everyone to be happy. I love you forever Uncle Johnny. I will miss u dearly.
He will be very much missed by his love ones and friends. RIP GREEN PAPA. ♥️🫶🙏
Love you Pops !!!! As much as I talk, I always enjoyed listening to you !!! I always felt smarter after our conversations, will never forget any of them…. RIP Pops !!! – Q
Uncle Johnny I love you so much. I will not forget one of the times I visited you in the hospital you compared me to yourself. You said we like our young women and another comment I will keep between you and me I will be truly missed and never forgotten. I know you and dad are enjoying y’all self and both laughing as loud as you can. Hats off to one of the best uncles !!!love you
I was very blessed to have met you and have you become a very dear friend whom I love and will miss very very much. All our conversations. Sports…travels…kids…and life.
All the laughs. and a few tears it was such a blessing to me. You are remembered by sooo many and rightly so……definitely a one if a kind man.
Love and miss you John, Salud …..till I see you again.
BIG JOHN, truly one of a kind who never met a stranger. I will miss all of the great times and conversations with you but I know you are in a much better place. Until we meet again !
I’m still trying to process that my daddy isn’t here anymore. Daddy you were so.funny always had us laughing and smiling, only hiding tears from you because I didn’t want you to worry. I miss you so much, save a place for me while I’m down here serving my purpose. I love you and miss you so much, rest easy daddy
Thanks for all the laughs,&good times,Coach.
Johnny you were always like a brother to me. We had so many good times laughing . I’ll always remember your happy spirit. Love you always!❤️
Well, hello Uncle Johnny!
You were always so kind, so observant, so complimentary, so loving. You always had a smile even in your eyes. Like Daddy, you are extremely smart but y’all have a way of making who you’re talking to feel acknowledged and important. Your encouragement built me up at times when I needed it most Thank for always being there and for forgiving me when I couldn’t. I always enjoyed our talks. You are loved by many. I will always honor your memory. I know you and Daddy are sporting a beer and entertaining Jesus with yall’s one of a kind infectious loud laugh that gets everybody laughing. I call it THE SMITH LAUGHTER. I love and miss your
Johnny was a “larger than life” character! Never a dull moment and laughs and smiles always. Rest In Peace Johnny. Prayers for the family.