Obituary
John A. Smith
January 29, 1933 – July 22, 2020
With great sadness, the family of John A. Smith announce his passing on July 22, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at the age of 87. He was surrounded by his family as he joined our Heavenly Father and his loving wife of 63 years, Marilee R. Smith. He is also predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Oscar R. Smith, along with his four brothers and three sisters.
John is survived by his four sons, John (Sharon), Greg (Cindi), James and Philip (Tina) Smith, and daughter Beth Mathioudakis. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Jami, Brett (Laura), Tiffany (Phillip) Vaughn, Chad, Stephanie (Rique) Karsten, Kayla, Derrick, Jennifer (Ian) Thompson and eight great-grandchildren, who refer to him as Super Grandpa, Taylor, Branten, Breanna, Gage, Dominic, Weston, Gunner and Adriel.
The youngest of eight children, John was born on January 29, 1933 in St. Joseph, Indiana. A recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals, John proudly served in the United States Army and re-enlisted into the United States Air Force, serving his beloved country for 26 years in the Military Police. Upon his return to civilian life, John worked at the Orlando Executive Airport as Head of Security until his retirement.
John greeted everyone he met with a huge smile and a riddle or a joke and was known for his generous heart. Always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate, he made a hobby of collecting broken bikes to rebuild for kids who didn’t have one. He loved playing cards with his children, watching sports, spending time at the dog track and more than anything, preparing a huge meal for those he loved the most. He never let anyone leave his home hungry. John loved his family and they love and miss him dearly.
John will be laid to rest with Military Honors alongside his wife in the Bushnell National Cemetery on August 28, 2020 at 11:30am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to “Cannonball Kids cancer,” cannonballkidscancer.org or Post Office Box 547797 Orlando, FL 32854. John always looked out for children and it is our wish that his life and legacy continue to make a difference.
Leave a reply