BENTON — Mr. John Thomas Smith, Jr.,

of Scenic Drive near Offerman, Ga., relinquished his life and returned his soul to God August 20, 2021. He was 69 years old. He was born in Benton, Ark., on May 3, 1952.

John loved his country and courageously served in Vietnam. He was the recipient of four campaign stars emblazoned on Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and other military awards, including the Marksmanship Army Expert Award. In the early 90’s, he moved to Georgia and was employed by Ryan-Walsh & Wallenius Wilhelmsen international shipping lines where he worked as a stevedore. John enjoyed fishing, sailing, writing poetry, and singing. He loved his family and caring for animals. John was a kind, dedicated, and selfless man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Margie Juanita Wheatley Smith. Survivors include his spousal partner of thirty years, Linda A. Chancey of Offerman, two sons, Joshua John Smith (Erin) of Medical Lake, Wash., and Elijah Chancey of Patterson; three sisters, Willie Sullivan of Clinton, Ark., Sharon (Tommy) Vanderford of Benton, Ark., and Sheila Doney of Clinton, Ark.; five brothers, Dave (Pat) Smith and Richard (Peggy) Smith all of Clinton, Ark., and Gary (Leslie) Smith, Keith (Lois) Smith, and Douglas (Tracy) Smith of Benton, Ark.; two grandchildren, Gabriel Thomas Smith and Matthew Jacob Smith and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Graveside service will be at Fairplay Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas, at 2 p.m., on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Online guestbook at: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Alcoa