John Henry Smith

July 11, 1923 - March 1, 2021 Vallejo, CA

John Henry Smith was born July 11, 1923 in Forrest City, AR to Jessica Ray. His adopted parents were Frank and Elizabeth Smith. John often spoke very fondly about his parents, who made sure he was at the church often as his father was the head deacon.

John attended Lincoln High School in Forrest City. He also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He later joined the Navy in 1946. During his enlistment, he witnessed many historical events. On July 17, 1944 he was at the Port of Chicago explosion and disaster where many lives of black soldiers were lost. John was assigned to the USS Shangri-La when she sailed to the Central Pacific in May 1946 to participate in Operation Crossroad, the atomic bomb tests conducted at Bikini Atoll. He also sailed across the equator on the Shangri-La. While enlisted he received honors for his impeccable service. He retired with 43 years of government service which included Mare Island Naval Shipyard and the Benicia Arsenal.

John met and married Mildred A Hodge and to this union two children were born, Reginald A. Smith and Cheryl Smith-Davidson.

He leaves a legacy of love behind in the lives of his wonderful wife, Mildred A. Smith; his children, Reginald A. Smith and Cheryl Smith-Davidson; his grandchildren, Moncell Smith, Khadia (Anthony) Duarte, Johnathan (Derrhea) Davidson; and his great-granddaughter, Amara Davidson, as well as a host of family and friends.

A viewing will be held and Wiggins-Knipp Funeral Home, 524 Capitol Street, Friday, March 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. and the funeral service will be at McCormick Hall at Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, CA, Monday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Social distancing will be adhered to at all services.