John M. Smith

John M. Smith SAN ANTONIO, Fla. - John Millard Smith passed away Dec. 23, 2008, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, while surrounded by his wife and three sons. John, or "Smitty" as most friends knew him, was born Oct. 2, 1939, in Washington County, Ohio, and raised in Springboro, Ohio. He was the son of the late Russell and Clara Smith. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons and family, Jeff and Melissa, Craig and Cathy, Brian and Chris; granddaughters, Jenna Lee, Haley Ryan, Casey Nicole and grandson, Copeland John Daniel Smith; brothers, Bill and Dave Smith; and sisters, Sue Brunk and Charlotte Carter. He served more than 32 years in the United States Navy and retired as the command master chief of Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He served his country with dignity, honor and respect. Following his retirement, he and his wife relocated to the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club Community in San Antonio, Fla. Donations in the name of John Smith can be made to Hernando Pasco Hospice Center, 37445 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525.