John L. Smith

John L. Smith, age 90, of Trent Woods, North Carolina passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023. A veteran of the United States Air Force, John served our nation with honor for 25 years, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. John entered service in 1949 and very soon after found himself bound for Korea after the onset of hostilities. He served as a radarman searching the skies over the Sea of Japan for pilots in distress. After discharge back in the States John enrolled at East Carolina University. In addition to his studies John participated in the Reserve Office Training Corps. Upon graduation John received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting as well as a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

He started his newly married life as a teacher in Williamston. One of the many anecdotes he shared over the years was that he taught math to both Jim and Gaylord Perry, who would both have very successful careers as Major League Baseball pitchers. Just as unexpectedly as before the Air Force notified John that he was being called to active duty and so began a career as an officer that spanned the next two decades, culminating in command of the 6931st Security Squadron in Iraklion, Crete.

After retirement, John and Juanita returned to North Carolina and lived many years in River Bend before moving to New Bern. John loved his family and his country. He was proud yet funny and had so many stories to tell from his Air Force days. John would always let you know that he grew up on a farm, the son of a sharecropper. He was a jack of all trades and could fix practically anything. He enjoyed music of all types and anything on water, particularly boating and fishing.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Juanita Ipock Smith and his son, Steve L. Smith. He is survived by his son, Michael D. Smith and daughter, Donna K. Younker; grandchildren, Mickey Younker, Lea Eagles, Donnie Younker, Benjamin Smith, and Samantha Smith; as well as six great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25th, at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 26th, at the Lakeside Chapel Greenleaf Memorial Park, 900 River Rd., New Bern

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.