of Batesville, AR
December 11, 1923 - November 12, 2017
John E. Smith Jr., 93, of Batesville, Arkansas died Sunday, November 12, 2017, at White River Medical Center.
Born December 11, 1923, in Des Moines, New Mexico, he was the son of John E. Smith Sr. and Hazel (Comyford) Smith.
He was a U S Navy Veteran, having served in World War II. John was a civil engineer with the Arkansas Highway Department, retiring in 1985 and served as President of the Arkansas Highway Retirees. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and building furniture.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church and was a deacon for 58 years. A godly man, he enjoyed serving on mission trips.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Frankie R. (Weckel) Smith of Batesville; a son, John E. Smith III (Vanessia) of Batesville; four grandchildren, Blake Smith (Haley) of Batesville, Ashley Anne Lightner (Matt) of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Jessica Spohr (Jeremy) of Batesville and Brad Fletcher of Memphis, Tennessee; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Henry J. Smith (Jane) of Dallas, Texas; and a sister, Eunice Smith of Fort Worth, Texas.
A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Batesville with Rev. Stacy Reed officiating.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Seth Barnes, Dr. Muhammad Kahn, and the deacons of the First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation Christmas Child, First Baptist Church, 610 E. Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501
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8 Condolence(s)
DW
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" ( 3) Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, (4 ) who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
DW
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" ( 3) Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, (4 ) who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
Phillip O'Daniel
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
I have a lot of fond memories of Mr. Smith, Growing up at First Baptist Church.
Nancy Rhodes Fountain
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Frankie and Johnny & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember John Ed from many, many years ago and always thought so much of your family. Many years have gone by, but I still remember all of the good times that our families had together. Please know that I will keep all of your in my prayers and thoughts. Cherish your precious memories- I know you have many.
With Love, Nancy
Michael and Jessica Shetron
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
What a wonderful picture of a wonderful man! I can see the twinkle in his eyes that I am sure attracted your Mother to him. We are both thankful that he and your Mother were and are in our lives. A great example of how to live a life dedicated to God, our country, his family and friends. He will be missed. Michael and Jessica Shetron
Betty Burge Cockrill
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during these trying times.
Chester and Sharon Clark
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
What a GREAT person he was and is. A tremendous influence he had on his family and all who knew him. Condolences to Frankie and all his family. He will be missed.
Elaine Syfert McKinney
Monday, November 13, 2017
Dear Frankie and John Ed III (Johnny),
It was with much sadness that we heard of John Ed’s passing. We are thinking about all the wonderful memories that we have of you and John Ed. Our parents (Sylvia and Oscar Syfert) were so grateful to have your kind friendship in their lives. We too appreciate all that each of you have done for us. John Ed’s memory will live in our hearts.
With loving thoughts,
Elaine (Syfert) McKinney and Lynda (Syfert) Warren