John Lee Smith was born on September 27, 1938, in Kentucky to the late Kelly O. Smith and Laura Bell Adams Smith. He departed this life on July 25, 2026, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

John received his education through the Clark County Public School System and proudly served his country in the United States Military. He was united in marriage to the late Carrie D. Smith, and together they built a life filled with love, faith and hard work in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He dedicated 31 years of faithful service to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, retiring after a distinguished career. 

A devoted Christian and faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, John lived his life as a man of faith, integrity and service. He was a hardworking entrepreneur and owned several businesses including John L. Smith Trucking, Inc., a landscaping business, a fresh seafood business, and a cleaning service. John loved fishing, bowling, and gardening. He was very generous with his garden, often offering neighbors fresh produce that he grew without charge. His warm spirit, sense of humor, and willingness to help others made him a friend to many. He was a devoted provider who taught his children and grandchildren to work hard, stay focused and always put God first. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly O. Smith and Laura Bell Adams Smith; his wife, Carrie D. Smith; his brothers, Kelly O. Smith, Jr., Paul Edward Smith, Elmer Smith, and Ruben Smith; and his sisters, Mattie Frances Bruton and Patricia Noland. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Veronica Smith Anderson of Winston-Salem, NC, Johnnie Brown (David) of Whitsett, NC, and Kevin Smith (Katrina) of Clemmons, NC; grandchildren, Terron Smith of Kernersville, NC, Travis Smith (Reakesha) of Winston-Salem, NC, Angelette Ervin (Jerald) of Winston-Salem, NC, David Brown II of Greensboro, NC, K'Nycha Joseph (Damond) of Little Elm, TX, Charles Anderson Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC, Dominique Brown of Whitsett, NC, K'amonyi Becton of Clemmons, NC, and Devito Brown of Whitsett, NC; a host of great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Rosie Wright (Calvin) of Oakboro, NC; his dear neighbor and friend, Tommy Berrier; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. 

Though our hearts mourn his passing, we rejoice in knowing that John's earthly labor is complete and he is now resting in the presence of the Lord, where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, and no more tears.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Thursday, July 30, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Thursday at the Chapel.