The funeral services for the late Mr. Johnny L. Smith of 203 S. Ayers St., Sylveste , Georgia, who departed this life on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at his residence, will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from the First African Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia, with the Pastor, Reverend Zachery Powell, delivering the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery in Sylvester, Georgia. Services not be streamed Facebook Live at the request of the family.

Johnny L. Smith was born on December 31, 1951, to Ruenell Owens Smith and George “Buster” Smith in Sylvester, Georgia. As a young child, he connected with Christ at Brown Chapel C.M.E. Church in Sylvester. He was educated in the Worth County Public School System and graduated from J.W. Holley High School in 1969. In the summer of 1969, at age 17, Johnny joined the United States Navy and later served in the Vietnam War from 1972 to 1973.

After returning from Vietnam, Johnny fell in love with Cheryl Fountain. In 1980, he and Cheryl joined in Holy Matrimony at First African Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia, and started a family with two children, Patrick and Jenise.

Johnny continued to serve his country as a Machinist Mate (MM1) while stationed in various cities in Florida, Southern California, and Mississippi until his retirement from the Navy in 1989. He later meshed his mechanical skills and passion for vehicles while working as an auto mechanic and then re-entered federal service as a mechanic at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, GA, for 10 years.

After many years of traveling the world while serving his country, Johnny chose to reside in his beloved hometown until his last homecoming. Johnny is deeply missed by his loved ones and will always be remembered for his lively sense of humor, kind heart, and courageous spirit.

At his eternal home, Johnny reunites with his late parents, George and Ruenell Smith; and late older brothers, George Leonard Smith and Warren Smith—along with other beloved family and friends who departed before him.

Johnny leaves behind his daughter, Jenise Smith of Atlanta, GA; stepson, Patrick Alexander (Donna) of Snellville, GA; grandchildren, Maya Alexander and Camryn Alexander of Snellville, GA; sister, Loretta Hill and devoted nephew, Jimmy Hill, Jr., both of Sylvester, GA. He also leaves behind a host of cherished nieces and nephews, cousins, great- nieces and nephews, and faithful friends.

Psalm 107:23-24 KJV – “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.”