Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Centralia on Dec. 23, 2025.
Jack D. Smith, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, leaving behind a life rich in family, faith, hard work and simple joys.
Jack was born on July 5, 1937, in
Centralia, Illinois to Ernest E. Smith and Grace Timmons Smith. Centralia shaped who Jack became. It was where he learned the value of hard work, built lifelong relationships, raised his family, and established a name that people respected. For most of his life, Centralia was home. In his later years, Jack settled in
Sun City, Arizona, where he embraced retirement and continued enjoying life.
Jack was first married to Sandy Hindman and they divorced. Together they raised three daughters - Cindie Orr (Ty), Beth White (Jeff), and Lori Murray. His daughters were the heart of his world, and his love for them never wavered. He married Barb Barton, who survives him.
Jack was a proud grandfather to Blake Dukes (Jamie), Zak White (Becca), Brice Sligar (Marjohn), Tyler White (Alli), Blaine Murray (Alexis), Gabby Helton (Ben) and Loganne Massey. He was great grandfather to Brylee Dukes (Carson), Addy Dukes, Cole Helton, Savannah, Ava and Charli White, Flinn White, Morgan and Cody Sligar, Axel and Ace Murray., and another coming in April. He followed their lives closely and took quiet pride in each of them.
Jack's strong work ethic was evident throughout his life. In Centralia, he and his brother, Jim, owned Smith Brothers Concrete, and later Jack went on to own Centralia Ready Mix. He believed in honest work and doing things the right way - values he not only lived but passed on to his family. In his younger years, Jack loved playing softball with his dad, brothers and cousins, creating memories that stayed with him throughout his life. Bowling was a lifelong passion. He bowled competitively and faithfully, and continued to bowl until last year. His dedication and love for the sport earned him induction into the Sun City Bowling Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected both his skill and commitment.
Above all else, Jack was a man of deep and steady faith. He often reminded his daughters that life's ultimate goal was not success or achievement, but going to Heaven. His faith guided his decisions, shaped his character and anchored his life, leaving a legacy that will continue through his family.
Jack is survived by his daughters and their families, his wife and Brad and Bendy, his sisters Delores Miller, Bea "Cis" Owens (Gene), his brother Don Smith, sisters in law Shirley Smith, Mary Smith, Karen Robbins and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Judy Hopper, his brothers: Jim Smith, Dick Smith and Gary Smith and his brother in law: Jerry Miller.
Per his wishes, no services will be held. A Private Family entombment will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Memorials to honor Jack may be made to Tunnel to Towers and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street
Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Smith Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.