John N. Smith, 72, was promoted to glory, after losing the battle against Covid-19 on August 11, 2021. In the process of leaving his earthly home in Kingwood Texas, he was surrounded by his loving wife, both of his sons and daughters-in-love, while the sound of bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" filled the room.

John leaves behind his soulmate and most beloved wife of 51 years: Ann. He also leaves behind his two most precious sons: David and Stephen and his daughters-in-love: Layla and Gretchen. He leaves his three grandchildren: Madison, Joaquin and Grace. His sister: Peggy (Vernon); brother: Matthew (Deanna); sister-in-law: Arlene and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend of many years and brother in Christ: Bruce.

John was preceded in death by his parents: Russell and Betty Smith; Father and Mother-in-Law: Norton and Jewel Maack; Aunt: Vergie and Sister-in-law: Janet.

John was born on November 29, 1948 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He graduated from Jesse H. Jones High School in 1967. He then went on furthering his education at Houston Baptist College where he double majored in Christianity and History graduating in May 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

While attending South Park Baptist Church, at the tender age of eight years old, John's memory was vivid of when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour .

As a young man John was part of The Boy Scouts of America, where he accomplished the level of Explorer. This experience, for John, lasted his entire life as he was never without a pocketknife, and he lived by the motto of "always being prepared". He enjoyed playing on a youth football league for 2 years and also was on a youth baseball league. He was very active in high school with Youth for Christ where he continued his association with this organization even after his graduation. He was part of FFA (Future Farmers of America) where he loved growing his vegetable garden, and he was also on the track team where he participated in discus and shot put.

During the time after his High School graduation and beginning his college education, John's lifelong passion for his ministry continued as his association with Youth for Christ ministry along with working in the Youth Department of South Park Baptist Church. John was also leading revivals around the Houston Area.

John's true and lifelong passion was genuinely his ministry. He loved being a Worship Leader in many churches around the Greater Houston and Humble area. His interests and hobbies outside of his ministry included being an avid Bible reader, he loved Wild at Heart ministry, enjoying time spent with the love of his live: his Ann Girl, he was truly happy when he was with both of his sons, he called and considered his son's wives his Daughters in Love, spending time with Bruce over a cup of coffee as they would study and pray going deeper with the Lord, he treasured playing "Glove-Man" and loving on his little miniature schnauzer buddy: McKeever, he relished his Saturday night family dinners, John cooked the most amazing meals on the grill, he loved sports but predominately followed the Arkansas Razorbacks, Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals, he also was able to play a 5 string banjo and both 6 and 12 string guitar.

Above all, his family will feel the absence of their Patriarch but know where he is and takes great solace in John having received his heavenly reward. One day we shall see him again.