John E. Smith, (75), of Eolia, Kentucky, passed away on March 13, 2024. John, called Johnny by many, was born to Virgie and Stobert Smith on March 4, 1949 in Lancing, Tennessee. He was an avid coon hunter and an intense fan of Tennessee Volunteers football. Johnny was a grizzly of a man but had the heart of a teddy bear and often helped those in need.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Juanita; 6 brothers, and 3 sisters.

He is survived by a brother, Jerome (Gleneva) Smith; sisters, Trudy Kautz, Pamela (Ron) Venn, Dartha (Max) Carlton, and Cindy (Paul) Boyer; daughters, Stephanie (David) Holland, Lana Hensley, Heather Seiber, and Amanda (Terry) Felton. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center for the kindness and compassion shown during Johnny's last days. They would also like to thank his dear friend, Janet Sergent for the care provided while he was at home.

A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center, 101 Dennis Sandlin MD Cove, Hazard, KY 41701.