John E. "Johnny" Smith, Sr.

John E. “Johnny” Smith Sr of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the Lake Wales Medical Center.

He was born January 30, 1941 in Lake Wales to the late George Edward & Lora Inez Smith; and he was lifelong resident of the area. He was retired from Florida’s Natural, was of the Pentecostal faith and served in the U.S. Air Force. He loved fishing, traveling, working with wood and enjoyed spending time at the casino. He was a great family man with a wonderful sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Lenora C. Smith; two daughters, Angie Cozart (Robert) of Babson Park and Sharon McClure of Babson Park; one son, Eddie Smith (Ivette) of Winter Garden; two sisters, Dorothy Tucker (Frank) of Babson Park and Thelma Gandy (Wendell) of Babson Park; three brothers, Bill Smith of Michigan, Bob Smith (Ann) of Kansas and Melvin Smith (Twyla) of Babson Park; six grandsons, five great-grandsons and one great-great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the funeral service at 2:00 pm Monday, September 17, 2012 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the Lake Wales Cemetery.