John (Johnny) Smith

John (Johnny) Smith, died peacefully at Holston Valley Medical Center on July 30, 2013, after a brief illness. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his wife and children.

Born and raised in Savannah, GA, Johnny moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1968, to work for Continental (now CNA) Insurance Company as a Loss Control Specialist. Retired in 1998, he and his wife moved to Kingsport, TN, in 2007. During his time in Jacksonville, he became very involved in the tennis community as a club player, official, and volunteer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Delores Broderick Smith.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Janice; children and spouses, Todd and Mellinda Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Lori (Hill) and Jeremiah Adams of Kingsport, TN, and Megan (Mulholland) and Bill Eychner of Jacksonville; adoring and much adored grandchildren, Matteo, Parker, Alexia, Lainey, Brayden, Cinnamon, Otto, and Mark James; son-in-law, Alan Hill; siblings and spouses, Eddie and Faye Smith, Patty and Nick Burke of Tybee Island, GA, and Barbara and Jerry Rustin of Glouster, VA; special great nieces Amie Kingsnorth and Sarah Humphreys; and several nieces and nephews.

A casual Celebration of Life service will be held in Kingsport, TN, Friday, August 2 (his 72nd birthday) at 5048 Lake Forest Drive, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A private family Celebration will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Johnny's name are requested to On Target Sports, an organization dedicated to veterans which includes sports programs for disabled vets. This program was a cause very close to Johnny's heart. Donations can be sent to On Target Sports, 1420 West Canal Ct., Ste 210, Littleton, CO, 80120, or through their website, www.ontarget veterans.org.