John Lee Smith, affectionately called “Smitty” or “JL,” was born January 14, 1942 to the late John Henry and Rosie Matthews Smith in Dozier, Alabama. At an early age, his family moved to Niagara Falls, New York, and this became his home. He was the oldest of six siblings.

He entered his eternal rest on Friday, August 7, 2026.

John enlisted in the United States Marines Corp and retired after 20+ years of service; which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge as a Gunnery Sergeant. He received medals for being a Pistol Expert and Rifle Sharpshooter. His name was added to The National Military Monument in Washington DC.

After his military service, he was employed with Memphis Light, Gas and Water as a Supervisor in the Gas division; he retired after 23+ years of employment. While working at Memphis Light, Gas and Water, he received his two-year degree from State Tech. He also learned the HVAC trade and worked part-time doing maintenance on AC units for many years.

John was a long-time Pittsburgh Steeler fan. He was an avid bowler until his health declined and he received the ring for a perfect 300 game to prove his skills. He enjoyed Chicago PD reruns, WWE and playing a competitive game of Dominoes. He loved life and his family and was always the happiest when he could spend time with them.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Rosie Smith; a daughter, Darlene Smith; stepbrother, Charles Cowert; and stepsister, Betty Daniels.

John Lee Smith leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife and friend, Brenda Faulkner Smith; his children, John Lee Smith, Mark Smith, Tiffany Smith, Veronica Smith, and bonus daughter, Cominique (Deaderick & Jonah) Jones; his siblings, Wavley (Karen) Smith, Eva Barnes, Liz Profit, Willie Maud Smith and Shirley Smith; his brother-in-law, Washington Faulkner, Jr.; lots of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

John will be missed, but now he can rest safely in the arms of Jesus.

The family will receive friends for a visitation Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 12:00noon. Both services will be held at R.S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38126.

Burial will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125.