John H. Smith, 85, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on March 20, 2019, in Orange, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend Keith Royal. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00p.m.

Born in Panola County, Texas, on October 11, 1933, he was the son of Elbert Smith and Lolette (Cozart) Smith. John was a member of Winfree Baptist Church and worked as a Supervisor for Gulf Oil. John was a kind hearted man who was always willing to do for others and stop and help anyone in need. He was a great cook and enjoyed having get togethers and cooking for his family. John loved his furbaby, Lilly Bell. He was a loving husband and father who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Lolette Smith; loving wife of 60 years , Shirley Smith; brother, Garland Smith; and his infant son, Perry Smith.

Those left to cherish John’s memory include his children, Jerry Smith and wife Vicki, Jerald Smith and wife Gina, Jimmy Smith and wife Katherine, and Jeff Smith; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many other loving friends and family.

Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Smith, Colin Smith, Jarred Melancon, Cody Knight, Curt Lucia, Robert Whitehead, and Jared Porter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Jessica and Dr. Kaissi at Hospice Plus and to the Bray family for all of their love and support.