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John Smee Obituary
John Rhys Smee passed away on the evening of Jan. 9, 2013.
He now joins his greatest companion, Ruca.
John Rhys was only 34 but lived an adventurous life that took him up and down the East Coast and all the way to Germany, where he served in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in K-9 training. Working with dogs was one of his greatest passions. He volunteered for animal shelters wherever he went, including the Humane Society and locally for Blue Chip Animal Refuge. He was most recently involved with dog rescues and helped transport unwanted dogs to loving new homes. He was always game for a road trip. John Rhys had a huge heart and made sure, if you were around him, you were laughing.
He is loved and will be missed by his mom, Lori Russell; his sisters, Keri and Nicole; his dad, John V. Smee, his Jess; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and all of the animals whose lives he made much brighter.
Funeral service will be held Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Edwards and Russin Funeral Home, 717 Main St., Edwardsville, with Rev. Roger Hager officiating. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call Sunday from 2 until 5 p.m.
In honor of John Rhys, please help by donating either time or money to local animal shelters. "Peace Out."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Smee
January 17, 2013
Im am very sorry for your loss. I worked with John and he was a great guy who made everyone laugh. He will be missed.
Donna Riggs
January 15, 2013
Rhys you will always be in my heart and greatly miss. You have gifted all that knew you with great memories filled with laughter. I know in my heart that you have found the peace that you deserve. Lori Lynn, Kerri and Nichole my prayers and thoughts are always with you. I pray that we all find peace knowing Rhys is in better place.
Janice Nulph
January 15, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss and the world's loss. I love him as my son, he was so special to me and will never be forgotten. May God bless you and give you the strength you need at this time. I am so sorry.
Jacquelyn Ghoshray
January 14, 2013
Lori, Niki, Kerri I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Rhys was a loving person and I am so grateful to have know him. He is now dancing with the angels I am sure. If you need anything at all 570-762-5094, I am here and don't hesitate. God bless you and your family. Rhys rest in peace and you will grately be missed. Love Jacquelyn Riggs-GhoshRay and the ghosh-ray family.
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Elizabeth Evansky
January 14, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss! Keri and Nicole we grew up as close as family and my heart goes out to you both losing your big brother. My prayers are with you all! XOXOX
Kristin
January 14, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. John touched a lot of people and will never be forgotten.
Deb Ernst
January 14, 2013
Very sorry to hear the news about John. I had the opportunity to work with him and get to know him and really enjoyed his sense of humor! God Bless John's entire family! I am sure that he will be missed by all!
LINDA EURY
January 14, 2013
JUST TO GIVE MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND ALL THE FRIENDS OF JOHN . JOHN WAS A BLESSING TO HAVE MET AND WORKED WITH. I'M SADDENED TO HERE OF THE NEWS. GOD BLESS
Liza Roper
January 13, 2013
I'm so very sorry for your loss. John was a very sweet person and I will miss doing work for him. I cannot express how deeply sad I am for Lori, Keri and Nicole. May you find comfort with each other during this difficult time. - Alterations by Liza
Donna Werts
January 13, 2013
To Jess and John's family. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest peacefully.
January 12, 2013
Lori,Keri,Nikki,We were so sorry to hear about John Rhys,Our hearts and prayers are with you all.Love Lillian and family.
January 12, 2013
To the smee family, my memories of John I will never forget we grew up together rode bikes together,lived by each other , went to school together he was like a brother to me! My family's thoughts and prayers are with you all I wish I would have known sooner I would have attended the funeral had I known xoxo Marcella!
Laurie Thorne
January 12, 2013
Lori, Keri and Nicole, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was shocked when I found out of John's passing.He was such a wonderful kid growing up.I know there are no words that can take away the pain and sorrow that everyone that knew him is feeling. Just know He is in a better place and that someday you will see him again.Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Linda Kashnicki
January 12, 2013
Lori how very sorry I am to hear about John Rhys . Words are not enough to express the sorrow I feel for you and the girls. John Rhys will always be in my heart and prays. An angel in heaven that will someday see again. Rest peacefully John Rhys.
Casey Blaskiewicz-Kopco
January 11, 2013
so sad to hear about the passing of John Rhys...he was a fun ,loving and caring person that always brought a smile to my face and Im so glad to have known him and be a part of his life....he will be missed by many...and I will think of him everyday...Nikki , Keri and Lori my heart goes out to you all love you...
January 11, 2013
R. I. P
January 11, 2013
Lori, Keri, Nikki, I am so sorry to hear of John Rhys passing. John Rhys had a great heart and will be sadly missed. I have great memories of all of you and will cherish them! Keeping you all in my prayers. Lots of Hugs! Lisa Sims
courtney dymond
January 11, 2013
Nik, keri and mom lori you are all in my thoughts and prayers I loved john rhys like a brother and have lots of fond memories of of all of us having fun and goofing around he will be missed ....I love you all
January 11, 2013
Our Deepest Sympathy
The Golden Family
Rachel Antosh
January 11, 2013
Mom, Keri & Nicole, I am so sorry to hear of John Rhys's passing. I know how much you cherished him. I am glad to have known and grown up with such a funny, loving and caring person. He will always be in my heart. Please take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you. I love you all.
Nancy Munster-O'Kane
January 11, 2013
Sorry for this young man leaving this earth, so soon. The angels must have need him...
Colleen Davis
January 11, 2013
Lori, Nicole, & Keri, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts are with you. Sending prayers of comfort & peace to help you through. Please call if you need anything.
Colleen, Steve, Morgan, & Colin Davis
Bobbi Stogoski
January 11, 2013
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Glen & Chris Whitney
January 11, 2013
Love and prayers....
January 11, 2013
Our John was a kind loving soul who loved all he knew with a full heart. My hope is he has now found that love and peace in his next journey....he will be sadly missed.....Mallory
Kimberly Atkinson
January 11, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Jess and his family at this time!
Margie Pretzman
January 11, 2013
Our hearts are heavy for you. John was such a nice young man, who was a delight to be around! May God help you through this most difficult time.
Heather/Ryan Sheehan/Shannon
January 11, 2013
Lori, Keri and Nicole....So very sorry to hear of your loss. May God's peace be with you.
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