Obituary of John Joseph Smith

John Joseph Smith, a k.a. "JJ", "Smitty", "Papá", was born on September 5, 1945. He was the son of the late Montella and Juanita Smith (Maryland). John passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 19, 2023 after putting up the good fight against a long illness. He graduated from Horseheads High School in upstate New York, was a Veteran of the US Navy and a Mason by trade. John was a marksman competition shooter winning multiple tournaments. He was also an avid gardener. He loved life, his family and friends, NASCAR, Harley-Davidsons, birds, his dogs, beer and wings. He could find humor in any situation and could make everyone laugh. 

He is survived by his only brother Montella E. Smith II (Rhonda Brown) Missouri, his life partner LuRae Naylor Stallings and children Matthew Moses and Nellette Harty

and grandchild Seth Jackson (South Carolina), sister-in-law Donna Wilkerson (Virginia), brother-in-law Frank Naylor and mother-in-law Lucy Clark (New York), several nieces and nephews and so many very close friends. 

 His family will gather privately to honor his life and celebrate the beautiful kind soul that he truly was. Consider donations to the SPCA in lieu of flowers.