John Edward Smith

John Edward Smith, age 76, of Sanford, NC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023.

Mr. Smith was born in Long Beach, California on October 30th, 1946, to the late Homer John Smith and Paulette Louise Smith. Mr. Smith grew up in the small town of Glendale, Oregon where he played varsity football and ran track & field. An avid athlete with an uncanny competitive streak, Mr. Smith excelled in every endeavor he undertook. From managing his father's multi-million dollar logging operation, to running his own metal detecting and gold dredge shop. Mr. Smith displayed a consummate work ethic and passion for living. Later in life, Mr. Smith worked tirelessly as a carpenter for the U.S. Forest Service in the Umpqua National Forest until his retirement in 2014. After retirement, Mr. Smith moved to North Carolina to spend time with his four grandchildren. Mr. Smith loved his grandchildren with all of his heart, and they loved "Papa" just as much. Mr. Smith had a soft spot in his heart for animals, and he always had the sweetest animal friends. Mr. Smith will be dearly missed by all of his family, but they have assurance of his place in Heaven according to God's word: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13.

Mr. Smith is survived by his son Kerry Smith and wife Katie and their four children Vivienne, Killian, Annabelle, Eliza Jane; his step-son Todd Weaver. Mr. Smith also leaves behind his cat Smokey Joe who misses him dearly...

May he find eternal peace in the embrace of his loved ones who have gone before him.

A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.