John Calvin (J.C.) Smith, 81, a current resident of Johnson City, TN died at 10:00 am on Monday, June 14, at National Heath Care in Johnson City, Tennessee. A native of Blue Mountain, Mississippi, J.C. had previously lived in Rockwood, Tennessee for 45 years before moving to Johnson City in 2000.
J.C. was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Melville Smith, who raised their 9 children with a focus on faith, hard work, and education. All 9 children received their college degrees with J.C. and 4 of his siblings attaining their Master’s degree. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University.
J.C. continued his family’s legacy of education for more than 40 years in the Rockwood school system serving as teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. He retired in 1995. He was an avid sports fan for the school athletic program as well as UT and MSU sports.
J.C. was married to Barbara “Barb” Mead Smith, a native of Rockwood, who graduated from Blue Mountain College in Smith’s hometown. Barb joined J.C. in teaching in the Rockwood school system. After 45 years as residents and active members of the community and First Baptist Church, Rockwood, the couple moved to Johnson City in 2000.
In addition to his wife, J.C. is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Teresa and Steve Howard of Elizabethton, Rhonda and Ted Lindsay of Johnson City, and Beverly and Tony Poole of Knoxville; five grandchildren: Jamie Howard Price and Blake Howard, Alex Lindsay, Mary Beth Poole and Leigh Ann Poole; one sister, three brothers, and two sisters-in-law: Arlena Smith and John Hasel, Palmer Smith, Bernell and Mary Lynn Smith, and Lamar and Peggy Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters and a brother: Mary Ruth Brew, Leone Kent, Jessie Graham and Joe Smith. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Rockwood on Thursday, June 17 at 7:00 pm, with receiving of friends held from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the church. Graveside services and interment will be Friday, June 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Rockwood. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Howard, Blake Howard, Ted Lindsay, Alex Lindsay, Tony Poole, and Casey Price.
Guestbook Entries
I am so sorry for your loss. Please forgive me for not coming but one of my best friends, a Magee firefighter, had died after fighting melanoma for 4 years. We buried him Wednesday. God bless yall.
B. J. Smith (Magee, MS)
Barbara,
Steve and I wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and your family in the loss of J.C. We are sorry we could not be at the viewing. We know J.C. had been sick for a long time and is no longer suffering. We also know the family is feeling a very deep loss. We enjoyed seeing both of you at church and have missed you over these years. We definitely enjoyed having you as our Sunday School teacher, you were one of the best.
Loretta Walker (Rockwood, TN)
I was saddened to read of J.C.'s death. I met him (and Barbara) through the schools. We had mutual friends who taught in Rockwood. He was always such a help when I ran for office. And a kind man, too. Gone, but not forgotten.
Ken Yager (Harriman, TN)
Sharon Fulmer Evans (Rockwood, TN)
To Barbara, Teresa, Rhonda, Beverly and Extended Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We cherish our time in Rockwood from '66-79, and have great memories of working with JC. His warm personality and love of young people will remain a positive memory for all.
Jo Anne Hayes (Mebane, NC)
Our thoughts love and prayers are with the family. With our heartfelt sympathy, Mike, Sandra, Cassie and Amie McGaha
Sandra McGaha (Johnson City, TN)
Dear Barbara, Teresa, Rhonda,Bev and grandchildren. When learning of J.C.'s passing, I was sad to lose the companionship of someone I have shared so much history with as well as many laughs, good memories and good times. At the same time, I thought of what J.C. would be saying now as he looked down upon us, "Don't be sad, I'm fine ....I'm home now!", and I know that he is! He's gone on before us to watch over us, guide us and prepare for the "Smith Reunion". You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Sherry Chrestman (Rockwood, TN)
We are sorry for the loss of you husband, father and friend. We are praying for your family. It is comforting to know we will see him again in heaven.
The Larry Clark Family (Knoxville, TN)
I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family. J.C. was a great friend and colleague. I will always remember the many golf outings at Rockwood. I will also remember him for his faith, his love for his family, and his dedication to education. J.C. will be missed.
Wayne Honeycutt (Lenoir City, TN)
Ms Smith and girls , My family has a commitment out of town , and I am very sorry we cannot speak to you in person. We've come a long way from that appartment bldg. on Kingston Av.(1958?) . I ve always been a big fan of the Smith family and I share your grief,as well as many great memories.
very best wishes
Jim ,Tracie, Jay(18) and Sophie(4) Cooley (Rockwood, TN)
I will always be blessed from having had Jay in my life!! May Our Lord Bless you ALL at this difficult time. But we all know He is at peace and in a glorious place!! :) I love you ALL ALWAYS!!
Terry Long, Baker (London, KY)
BARB, SORRY ABOUT HEARING OF J.C. DEATH
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU.
DAVID AND CAROLE KING (Clinton, TN)
I always enjoyed JC's laugh. He was a kind and gentle man.
Lem Hill (Kingston, TN)
Barb and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. We have fond memories of both JC and Barb not only at school but more so at church. We had a group about 20 yrs younger than JC and Barb but they were always included in our social events and we learned to love them not as educators but as "friends".
Norman & Peggy Bowman (Spring City, TN)
Was one of my favorite H.S. teachers, and when he was a guidance counselor, he kept me and Mrs. Burkett the Home Economics teacher, from killing one another! I hated sewing!
Pat (Hughes) Kerschieter (Knoxville, TN)
Buddy & Jeri Fulmer
Dear friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I trust that our Heavenly Father will comfort you in the coming days. Circumstances did not allow for me to be there with you to celebrate Mr. Smith's life however I am with you in spirit. Mr. Smith made a huge impact in the educational arena as he influenced the lives of several generations in the Rockwood community. You remain in our thougths and prayers. Take care.
Nancy Mason Reddy (Knoxville, TN)
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