Dear John a gift to us all, passed away quietly, without warning at the blessed age of 94 on the evening of July 24th, 2022. He was born in San Francisco, California on April 24th, 1928 the only child to John L. Smith and Mildred M. Turner.
As a young man John was precocious, he completed high school and instantly joined the ranks of the military. After a short stint and an honorable discharge he met Thelma Williams, they fell in love, were ultimately married on June 21st 1975 in Honolulu, Hawaii and remained united until her passing July 6th, 2016. During many of those wonderful years John was an impeccable worker for Chevron Corporation where he became an essential asset by designing and implementing a prized herbicide product which they later acquired the rights to.
John lived the first half of his life in the Bay Area of Northern California, where he still has beloved relatives and friends, however he turned his sights to Tucson, Arizona where he met many other friends and remained until his recent death. During his lifetime he and his wife traveled the globe jet setting to places like Hawaii, Bahamas, England, Egypt, Thailand, and Japan. Even recently at 92 John traveled to visit his friends in England.
This man never met a stranger, he was always kind, friendly and interesting. He believed strongly in higher education and always encouraged those he knew and loved to aspire to gain more knowledge in their interests. He will be dearly missed! When you reflect on him remember a gentle giant with a warm, serendipitous soul.
A Song in dedication of John E. Smith
‘A Home Over There’
There’s a place in Heaven prepared for me where the toils of this life is over.
Where the Saints are clothed in white, before the throne singing praises forever more.
In my Fathers house there are mansions bright, if he said it then I know it’s true.
There’s a place for me beyond the sky,
Brothers and Sisters there’s one for you.
Jesus promised me a home over there
No more sickness, sorrow, or pain because
He promised me a home over there.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangeltucson.com for the SMITH family.
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