- Date Of Birth: May 5, 1947
- Date Of Death: May 16, 2019
- Spouse: Mary (Morris) Smith
- City: Hickory
- State: North Carolina
Johnny Ray (JR) Smith, a loving husband and father, devoted son and brother, beloved brother-in-law and uncle, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019 in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Born in Hickory, North Carolina, on May 5, 1947, Johnny was raised in Conover, North Carolina, and graduated in 1969 from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. After graduation from college, he moved to Virginia where he was a school teacher for 11 years.
From 1980 to 1981 Johnny was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding and in 1982 relocated to Ft. Pierce, Florida where he was employed by Florida Power & Light (FP&L) as a Physics Supervisor. He retired in 2015 after 33 years of service at FP&L. Johnny enjoyed traveling (especially with family), was an avid sports fan and golfer, was known for his generous spirit, and was always willing to help others – family, friends, or strangers.
Left to cherish wonderful and fond memories is his wife of 43 years Mary (Morris) Smith, Ft Pierce, FL; son Sean Smith and fiancée Kate Jaschek, Palm Bay, FL; sister Julie Kanipe and husband Andy, Conover, NC; sister Sarah Hoffman, Conover, NC; nephew Eric Kanipe and wife Brigail and children Kaylee, Raeanne, Caroline, and Briar, Holly Ridge, NC; niece Terri Bunn and husband Travis and daughter Ashlyn, Charlotte, NC.
