John A Smith Jr

THE LASTING LEGACY

John A. Smith Jr., born January 3,1944, to John A. Smith Sr. and Janie Smith, took his eternal rest on March 4, 2026, at the age of 82.

John grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended Arsenal Technical High School, where he proudly made his mark as a standout athlete. He excelled in basketball and football. He loved sharing stories from those days, especially with his grandsons, often reminding them of his athletic adventures and encouraging them in their own journeys.

Following high school, John proudly served his country in the United States Army. He later dedicated 37 years to the telecommunications industry, as an Installer for Switching Stations, he helped build the telecommunications framework that supported the early expansion of mobile phone technology.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared a remarkable 62-year marriage with his beloved wife, Marva J. Smith. Wherever you saw one, the other was never far behind, and their love was an example to all who knew them.

He was the cherished brother of Janice Bruen, Gwen Mitchell, Liz Smith, and Donald Smith, and was preceded in death by his sister, Georgia Wright.

John was the proud father of Lorie Wilson, Carla Gamble (William), Matthew Smith, and Danita Smith, who preceded him in death. He was a loving grandfather to Cameron Lee, Lauren Wilson, Peyton Gamble, Quentin Gamble, Kellen Gamble, Alden Smith, and Alexander Smith, and a proud great-grandfather to Camoni Lee.

He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, affectionately known as

"Uncle Bug".

John was a member of Lillydale First Baptist Church Choir and later New Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where he volunteered in the food pantry. He was also a proud member of FW Post 311, where he enjoyed cooking for the annual fish fry, and he volunteered with the Village of Hazel Crest Veterans Commission.

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