John (Jack) Edward Smith went to his eternal home December 5th, 2025 at the age of 87. He is survived by his children Nancy Ann Smith Kimbrell, John Girard Smith and his wife Pamela Johnson Smith. He was the world’s best grandpa to his beloved grandsons Joshua Adam Kimbrell, Jordan Edward Kimbrell (Brooke Rabon), Andrew Girard Smith (Sarah Harris Smith), and Caleb Blake Smith. Jack was blessed to see the birth of four great grandchildren, twins Olivia and Sophia Kimbrell, and Calum and Stella Smith. Jack is survived by brother Frank Lewis Smith, and  was the favorite uncle to his numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 62 years Joyce (Judy) Elaine Keown. Also preceding in death are his sisters Louise Smith Laslie, Vesta Violet (Mickey) Smith Staal, infant sister Nancy Ann Smith, and son in law Jeffrey Adam Kimbrell. 

Jack was born May 18th,1938 in Walhalla, South Carolina to the late John Girard Smith and Bessie Shook Smith. Jack joined the United States Army at the age of 16 and served for a time in Germany. After leaving the Army, he returned to Walhalla and soon after moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia with sister Louise and her husband Bill Laslie, who gave Jack his start in the construction field. During this time on weekend trips to Walhalla, he met and fell in love with Judy. They married April 29th,1961 and made their first home together in Pine Lake, Georgia where they welcomed their first child, daughter, Nancy Ann Smith. In 1965, they moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia where their family was completed with the birth of their son, John Girard Smith. Jack dedicated his life to his family and worked hard to provide a good home, nice family vacations, and a house full of love and laughter. Jack was a guiding light to his grandsons and made a significant impact on their characters and the men they have become. Not only did he provide them unconditional love and support, but he shared with them his interest in building and cars. 

Jack worked 55 years in the construction industry and worked his way up from laborer to carpenter to foreman to superintendent. Jack worked for many large commercial construction companies and some highlights of his impressive career include building the Atlanta Motor Speedway and supervising work on the Georgia Aquarium. Always one to have a good time, the story goes that Jack was the first person to drive a car around the track at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Right after completing construction on the raceway, Jack accepted a dare to drive his hot rod car around the track which almost ended in legal trouble and being fired. Luckily, the boss knew Jack was the only one skilled enough to lay the concrete forms, so he had no choice but to keep him on. Jack was not only highly respected by the men he supervised but also loved because he made work fun. 

Jack and Judy built their dream home in Monroe in 2001. Their home was the center of the family and where the grandsons played and built forts in the woods, and many memorable family gatherings were held. Jack and Judy joined Faith Baptist Church and were longtime loyal members. It was impossible to keep Jack out of the doors of the church on Sundays and Wednesdays, and he supported the many mission works across the community and the world. Jack loved the Lord and loved reading his Bible and other spiritual books. He truly lived his whole life putting others before himself. He was the rock of the family, and the one who could be counted on to help in time of need without judgement. His charismatic personality and radiant smile made everyone who knew him love him. Simply put, Jack lived his life to the fullest and touched the hearts of many. He was the anchor and guiding light of his family. Jack is now free from heart disease and reunited with his bride Judy in the presence of our Lord. Jack, Daddy, Grandpa made this world a better place, and it will never be the same without his shining light.