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John S. Smith
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John Smith Obituary
With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved John S. "Smitty" Smith, of 91 years. He peacefully departed this world from unbeatable pancreatic cancer, in his home surrounded by his loving family leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
Predeceased by Alice Lucille "Hoppie" Smith and their daughter, Dariel S. Windschauer; parents, Arthur and Louise Smith; his three sisters, Patricia Dare, Judith Smith, and Geraldine Reed. We would would be remiss not to mention Daphney, his King Charles Cavalier who was the love of his life.
He leaves behind his daughter, Smitty Dorene Gentry (Steven); his brother, Timothy Smith (Sally); son-in-law, Edwin Windschauer; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
John S. Smith was born in Lansing, Mich. in 1934, moved to Auburn as a child and made it his home. He served our country in the United States Army and lived a life full of purpose and unwavering determination. His daughters were his biggest fans and he was theirs. He was a remarkable entrepreneur of businesses in all facets; throughout his life he created and acquired various businesses which he worked hands on to grow them to the fullest potential with his passion for success. He personally maintained numerous apartments in this area and Florida throughout his life, he truly enjoyed his tenants and enjoyed seeing them even after they moved on. He embraced each challenge with Grace and adversity with unwavering strength throughout his journey, he touched the lives of countless people with his kindness, wisdom and his desire to guide business owners, and our youth to succeed. He had a passion for helping others and was not led by greed. Deo gracias, Latin for Thanks be to God, which was also the name of several of his boats, a life lived by his devotion to the Lord.
His request was to have a private service at Pettigrass Funeral Home surrounded by family, he believed in spending time with friends while he was on earth. In Lieu of flowers, donations to your church earmarked for maintenance or the charity of your choice as a tribute to his memory.
Memories and Condolences
for John Smith
Sponsored by Pettigrass Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Gomer( stud)
Yesterday
Great man loved working with him at k&stone car wash and around his apartments Rip Smitty
Deborah Hogan
Yesterday
Oh Johnny, you will be so missed!! You certainly lived a very full life & I hope you're looking down proud of all your accomplishments, both personal & business. You were amazing at both!! One of my most fortunate days is when we moved to Riverside Drive, right behind you on Owasco Road, and met through the "mail". You being John S. Smith & my dad being John R. Smith sure confused the post office!! I'd love bringing you your mail...lol!! You & my father ended up being buddies & I just loved you & then became a babysitter for your 2 beautiful daughters. That was fun, I had no clue about babysitting, but we made it work. Then you started me out with the apartment complex you owned & then made it possible for Matt & me to buy our 1st house on Owasco Road. Thank you a million times for that!! You were like a 2nd father to me, always looking out for me. When we moved to NC & would come back to visit, the stars kept us aligned or whatever, that we'd always run into each other & I'd still get the hugs & kisses from you. I loved it!! You were one of a kind for sure & you'll always be in my heart, never to be forgotten. Your daughter "Smitty" will now be taking over for you & you could'nt ask for anyone better. She's blessed with both your personality & Hoppie's all rolled into one, which is fantastic....to know her is to love her. Good bye for now Smitty, love, Debbie Hogan
Charlene Squires
Yesterday
Uncle Johnny-- Thanks for the memories!!
Love: Char, Carl & family
Mark Antonik
Yesterday
I've known John for a long time. Worked at K&S, did maintenance on many of his apartments and worked at his famous Mr. Magoo stand at the state fair! John was an intelligent, funny, hard working person. He taught me many life lessons that are still with me to this day! A great man who will be missed dearly! Prayers go out to the family!
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Sherry Voorhees
Yesterday
So very sorry for your loss. John was a great man and lived life to the fullest.
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