He was born on July 2nd, 1939 in Texarkana, AR. JT was a Lifetime member of St. Edwards Catholic Church and a graduate of St. Edwards Catholic High, class of 1957. During high school he started his first job with the 7-11 convenience store chain. After graduating high school he entered the United States Naval Academy. Upon completing his duty in the Navy, JT started his career at the Coca Cola bottling in Texarkana where he worked tirelessly and eventually retired as General Manager after 43 years in July of 2004. He also served as a Member of the Knights of Columbus, a Member of the Kiwanis club, and was an Avid Golfer & a life long Arkansas Razorback fan.
JT is preceded in death by his parents, Edward S. Smith and Beatrice R. Smith.
Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-law, Mike and Jessica Smith and Tony Smith; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Edwina and Bill Cernosek, Katie and Jim Powell and Emily Roberts; grandchildren, Caroline Renee Smith and Katherine Elizabeth James Smith and Numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Saturday April 1, 2023 at St Edwards Catholic Church with Rev. Justin Braun and Rev. William Burmester officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown.
Rosary will be 6pm Friday, March 31, 2023 at East Funeral Home-Downtown with visitation to follow.
Memorials can be made to St Jude's Children Hospital or charity of your choice.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
