Johnnie William Smith, 82, died on January 2, 2020, at Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac, Texas.
Johnnie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosamary Smith; his son, Grant Smith and wife Marcia; his grandchildren Haley Smith Thornton and husband Cole, Ashlyn Smith, and Holden Smith; his step-grandchildren Ron Brown, Delana Brown, and Lauren Davis; and his step-great-grandchildren Grace Jeanes, Jace Smiley, and Rylie Brown.
Johnnie was born in Cedar Bayou, Texas on July 20, 1937, to I.E. Smith and Laura Roth Smith. He was proud to say he descended from early Chambers County pioneers, which include Amos Barber, Solomon Barrow, and Christian Smith. All of these men made contributions to early Chambers County history.
Johnnie was a 1955 graduate of Barbers Hill High School, with a graduating class of approximately 20 students. He attended Lee College for 2 years, and then transferred to Sam Houston State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in mathematics and biology. Johnnie later earned his Masters of Education degree, also at Sam Houston.
Johnnie served as an educator in the Anahuac Independent School District, teaching mathematics for 30 years. During this time, he also worked on Saturday as a bookkeeper for Jenkins’ Farm. After retiring from teaching, he continued to work 3 days a week at the farm for another 10 years.
Johnnie was a charter member of the White’s Park Church of Christ, teaching bible classes as well as preaching on occasion. To Johnnie’s church family, your concern has meant so much.
Johnnie enjoyed gardening, coin collecting, reading novels, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and socializing with friends and family.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Harbor Hospice of Baytown, especially Nena Kelley, RN and Donna Webb, NA. The family also wishes to express appreciation to Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac for the concern and compassion shown to Johnnie and his family.
Visitation with Johnnie’s family will be held on Saturday, January 4 at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac at 10 am with a memorial service following at 11 am.
Memorial donations in memory of Johnnie may be made to the Anahuac ISD Education Foundation with a focus on mathematics and science.
To send flowers to Johnnie’s family, please visit our floral section.
