Preacher Smith, Jr

Hartsville, SC

Services for Preacher John C. Smith, Jr. age 75 will be held on Friday, August 4 at 6:00pm at Forest Hills Independent Baptist Church. Pastor Jim Murray and Pastor Tom Lancaster will officiate, directed by Norton Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday 5:00-6:00pm at the church, the family will be speaking to friends following the services as well. A private family burial will be held on Saturday.

John C. Smith Jr. was known as “The Preacher”. He pastored for 47 years until his declining health forced him to retire in 2010. He pastored Timmonsville Southern Methodist Church, Will of Faith Southern Methodist Church, Springhill Southern Methodist Church in Louisiana, John Wesley Independent Methodist Church and Forest Hills Baptist Church. He enjoyed studying God’s Word, witnessing to others about the gospel of Jesus Christ, preaching, reading, singing, playing instruments (especially the guitar), music, working at anything, and hunting with the club. However, his greatest love was going to church and having fellowship with his church family. He never stopped wanting to learn more about God and His life-changing book. The family would like to express love and appreciation to all our precious “family of God” who loved our dad and prayed faithfully for him.

He is survived by: two adoring daughters, Sonya Smith of the home and Pamela Murray (Pastor Jim Murray) of Hartsville; two grandsons, John C Murray (Jake) of Hartsville and James E. Murray (Taylor Murray) of Darlington; two precious great-grandchildren, Brayden and Addyson Murray; two caring sisters-in-law, Melba Langner of Mt. Olive, AL and Donna Martin (Dwight Martin) of McBee; many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special best friend, Jim Greenburg, of NC. Until our re-union in Heaven, Preacher leaves behind neighbors, friends and a glorious church family who have shown so much love and support for so many years.

He was preceded in death by: his wife of 47 years, Johnnie Lynn Cornett Smith, his parents, a sister, Patricia Ann Smith, a brother and sister-in-law Bobby and Patsy Smith, a close sister-in-law, Judy Venable, and brother- in-law Rev. OE Langner, Jr.

We offer a very special thank you to all who knew and cared for our precious Daddy including nurses, doctors and caregivers. The McLeod Hospice Team was incredible, and we greatly appreciate them.

In lieu of flowers Daddy wanted to contribute to the building fund of Forest Hills Baptist Church. The family is welcoming friends and family to the home at 113 Hillcrest Road before Friday's visitation.

Norton Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Smith family.

www.nortonfh.net

Visitation

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