John Smith passed away July 2, 2021 in Ben Wheeler, Texas at the age of 84. He was born on September 17, 1936 in Farmersville, Texas to Richard Andy and Alta Smith. John grew up in the Farmersville, McKinney, and Princeton area. He started working at an early age, helping his father on the family farm in the 8th grade. John left the farm to become a house painter, which he continued doing until retirement. John married Betty Engle on August 11, 1990. His true passion was music, and he was a terrific guitarist. He performed many times, including several performances on local radio shows. He then picked up playing the fiddle, which he enjoyed doing through retirement. John participated in several blue grass groups including the Back Road Band. In 1995, he semi-retired and he and Betty moved to Ben Wheeler, Texas, where they have been for the last 26 years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Ben Wheeler, where he played in the church band and was known as the “Candyman”.
John is survived by his wife, Betty Smith; son, Jeff Smith; daughter, Teresa Sigmon and her husband, Dustin; son, Mark Smith and his wife, Jeanett; son, Steven Smith; stepson, Cozby Engle and his wife, Lisa; stepson, Tommy Engle and his wife, Vicky; stepdaughter, Katrina Snapka and her husband, Patrick. Together, John and Betty have thirteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren, and a sixth one on the way. John was loved dearly and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alta Smith; brothers, Bobby and Richard Smith; sister, Laurita Trammell; and granddaughter, Jennifer Jackson.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Thursday morning prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held following the service at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas.