NETTLETON – Johnny Harvey Smith, Jr., a real dirt sport, departed this life after a brief battle with brain cancer. At age 72, and a lifelong truck driver, Johnny had made his last haul just three weeks ago. He spent a lifetime on the road doing what he enjoyed best: moving goods and seeing the beautiful USA. Born in Franklin Co., Alabama on September 14, 1947 to the late Johnny Harvey Smith, Sr. and Myrl Scott Smith, Johnny enjoyed the outdoors all his life – fishing, hunting, boating, tending his horses and horseback riding, and taking pictures everywhere he went. A jovial, independent soul, Johnny was selfless and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. A Pentecostal by faith and avid sports fan, his fun loving nature endeared him to children especially his grandchildren whom he spoiled with gifts of candy.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Sis. Brenda Harrison officiating. Burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park on Joyner Street. Visitation will be from 4 PM-6PM today (Thursday) and from 1 PM – service time on Friday, all at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving their friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 3 PM Friday and will be permanently archived thereafter. Covid-19 recommendations are requested, such as social distancing, face masks, and hand sanitation.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Mildred Diane Smith of Nettleton; his sons, Phillip Smith (Melissa) of Mantachie, Tim Smith of Saltillo, Jeffrey Smith (Carmen) of Saltillo, and Casey Smith (Susan) of Eggville; step-son, Joshua McLarty of Nettleton, and two step-daughters, Laura Thornhill of Tennessee, and Andrea Gilmore of Guntown; three sisters, Louise Brown of Burton, Dianne Bennett (Gary) of Pontotoc, and Dorothy Orrick (Donny) of Belmont; two brothers, Mike Smith and Guy Ray Smith, both of Red Bay, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Edna; and a young sister, Betty Ruth.
Pallbearers will be Joe Rone, Joshua McLarty, Jacky Richardson, Wesley Turner, Chris Whitaker, and Gary Bennett.
Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
This is Mildred Diane Smith and we had a lot of fun together I’m his wife and we enjoyed are lives with him. He will be missed dearly!