John Edward Smith, age 86, of Victoria, TX, and formerly Port Arthur, Texas quietly passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024. He was born September 14, 1937, to the late Fred Warren Smith, Sr and Genevieve Marie (Beaugh) Smith. He was a 1955 graduate of St Joseph High School in Victoria. After serving in the US Navy he attended Lamar University in Beaumont.
John was employed with Dupont at Sabine River Works for 38 years mainly in Human Resources as an Employee Relations Specialist and trainer. He was a devoted member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Port Arthur, TX. He loved his community and friends and enjoyed hosting dinner parties at his beautiful home in Port Arthur. He cherished his artwork and furnishing but held his sculptures by his friend Douglas Clark close to his heart.
He is survived by brothers, Gene Smith of Vidor, TX., Mike Smith, wife Kristy and Terry Smith, wife Laura of Victoria, TX., Pat Smith, wife Linda of Spokane, WA, and sister Gena (Smith) Leur of Victoria, TX., and sister-in-law Frances (Knowles) Smith of Muenster, Tx. He was lovingly called Uncle Johnny by numerous nephews and nieces.
Other than his parents he is preceded in death by brothers Fred W. Smith, Jr and Kenneth “Kenny” Smith and nephew Greg Smith all of Victoria, TX.
John was blessed with a family of lifelong friends mostly from the Beaumont/Port Arthur area who kept in close contact with him after he moved back home to Victoria four years ago due to failing health. Their dedication to John, prayers, and words of encouragement gave those who cared for John much support. Their kindness will not be forgotten
Visitation will start at 9:00 am with a rosary recited at 9:30 followed by a Catholic mass at 10:00 on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 704 Mallette Dr. in Victoria. The Victoria County Veterans Council will provide full Military honors immediately after the Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery following the military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 7382, Victoria, TX 77903, or a charity of one’s choice.
