John Harold Smith passed away at Miss. Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS, at the age of 88, on Thursday, June 19th. John was born June 22, 1936, in Smith County, MS, to James Earl Smith Jr. and Irma Kennedy Smith. In 1956, he graduated from Byram High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. He played both at Mississippi College while earning his BS in Biology and Physical Education (1960). While there, he helped found the first college chapter of the Fellowship of Christian athletes in the state. He later completed a Masters of Education at the University of Mississippi (1969).

John had a long and impactful career as a coach and educator, including stints at Leland High School, Delta State University, Virginia Tech, Greenville Christian School, Mississippi College, Heritage Academy, and Obion Central High School (Troy, TN). Most recently, John coached at Jackson Academy, where he was part of three state championship wins. In 2003, he was inducted into the Mississippi College Sports Hall of Fame. "Coach Smith" deeply loved his students and players, becoming like a father to some, and influencing many for the Lord.

In the 1970s, John became a Realtor and started John Smith Real Estate in the Jackson area. During his eighteen years in the business, he was named Jackson Realtor of the Year and Mississippi Realtor of the year. He was twice elected president of the Jackson Association of Realtors, and once of the Mississippi Association of Realtors.

In his aim to always shine the light of Jesus, John taught Sunday School classes, served as a deacon, and regularly visited the ill and elderly as an active member of his church. He helped to found the Clinton Community Christian Corporation (the 4Cs) to benefit the needy. He bore witness to the redeeming love of God to all who knew him.

John is survived by his former wife and good friend, Judy Garren Smith; children: Mauri Smith Yarber (Steve), and Michele Smith Clark (Lance); grandchildren: Kelley Luna, Stephanie Yarber, Jonathan Williams (Justice), and Jackson Clark; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and all six siblings.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral home in Flowood, with the funeral service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in John's name to Mississippi College and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.