Mr. John Melvin Smith

John Melvin Smith, Sr. was born on June 14, 1932, to the late Mr. Henry James "Doc" Smith and the late Mrs. Mary Gibson Smith. He was the fourth child of the twelve children from this union. Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia was home for this family.

John graduated from Washington High School (Grady County Georgia School System) in 1952. For a short while he helped his Dad "Doc" transport mail from the Grady County rail depot and deliver to Cairo residents. John went on to attend Albany State College where he studied Health Sciences. While there he excelled as an outstanding athlete, where earned the nick name "Big John" and led Albany State to many basketball and football championships.

Answering the call to service, John left Albany State College to serve in the United States Army, under the UN banner for the Korean War. During that time, he earned two distinguished Metals of Honor, United States Army of Occupation Germany Medal and the National Defense Mental of Honor. Upon receiving an honorable discharge John resided in Atlanta and worked for the United States Postal Service. He later relocated to Boston, Massachusetts where he worked with Boston Pressing Machine Company as a Certified-Master Gas-Steamfitter and Pipefitter for more than twenty years. While working in that industry, he often mentored others as journeymen. One of John's goals was to partner with Boston High Schools and area junior colleges to start an Apprenticeship program for young men. John's family legacy, professional skills and gift of 'gab' lead him to become an entrepreneur. As the sole proprietor of two dry cleaners and a laundry- mat "Quickway" he grew this family business in two Boston communities. Thus, John was well known throughout Boston for his many years of serving communities. In addition, John continued to work independently as a Gas/Steam/Pipefitter in several municipalities and he worked with various businesses and corporations (textile, residential and industrial). "Big John" enjoyed a host of activities that included fishing, grilling, traveling, joking and laughing with family and friends, watching sports, storytelling, hosting intellectual conversations, debating about current events/ world news, cooking "soul food" and yes, he enjoyed libations and the Lotto too! But, he relished family time.

In 1961, John united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mrs. Beatrice Jones Smith of Cairo, GA and resided in Boston, Massachusetts. To this union three children were born; John Melvin Smith (Michelle), Jacksonville, Florida, Joan Smith Trent, Powder Springs, Georgia and David Smith (Shaneka), Boston, Massachusetts. While residing in Boston he attended and served Holy Tabernacle Church and lived with his son, David and his family, for the past 12 years.

Prior to this time, in 1960 eldest daughter Jennifer E. Smith, who currently resides in Atlanta Georgia, was born. Johns' surviving siblings include: Brother; Charles "Chuck" Smith (Margie); Sisters; Dorcas Smith Mosee', Thelma Smith Garrison and Carolyn Smith Lavender. John is preceded in death by six of his siblings, Essie M. White, Helen C. Williams, Mary Cynthia Smith, Henry J. Smith, Jr., Carlton L. Smith and Ernest H. Smith. John leaves a legacy of 14 Grandchildren; Courtnay Andrea Trent, Corey Andrew Trent, Amber Smith, Teshevana Smith, Tamicka Smith, Khiemel Smith, Michael Smith, Davin Smith, Jerome Smith (Jurnitha), Jonathan Smith (Deidre), Jacinta Smith-Reid (Lenny), Joya Smith, Miranda Jefferies, Mironica Jefferies and 8 Great Grandchildren; Aubrey, Jessica, Dante, Amani, Jordan, Dominique, Zakeia and Jani. Other loved ones: Best Friend (Cousin); Alton "Bubba" Smith, Special Family Friends; Josie Campfield, Jacqueline Smith, Donielle Taylor, Rory Anderson and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and other loved ones.

Now, "Big John" our Dad, your Granddad, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and friend is "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay"!

Funeral Services for John M. Smith will be conducted Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia. Interment at Cairo Cemetery 5th Street SE, Cairo, Georgia.

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