John Watson Smith
John Watson Smith, 89, of Alderson, WV, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at The Seasons Place, Lewisburg, WV. Born December 11, 1934, in Logan, WV, John was the son of the late Mark Haymond Smith and Christine Bare Smith. John was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Fairlea and had retired after 40+ years from the Bell Atlantic Telephone Co.
John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking with his dog. John also enjoyed participating in and watching sports, playing football for Logan High School, and coaching his sons’ Little League baseball teams. Skilled in woodworking, he delighted in staying active at his mountaintop log cabin during his retirement years. He exemplified traditional values and was deeply proud to be a West Virginian. John lived a life of Christian service and served as a church deacon and trustee.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma Barnes Smith; his second wife, Betty Lee Pinnell Smith; and brothers, Mark Smith, Herbert Smith, and Robert Smith.
Survivors include sons, John Gregory (Elizabeth) and Stuart Edward (Cheryl); stepchildren, Michael Scott Pinnell and Kathy Ann Pinnell Boone; siblings, Jack Smith, Mary Ellen Raines, and Ida Lee Gosik; grandchildren, Adam Kramer Smith, Rachel Christine Prouty, Nathan Glen Smith, Samuel Isaac Smith, Mijkalena Smith, Zebulon M. Smith; and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be April 1, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Fairlea with Pastor Ron Miller officiating, followed by internment at the Riverview Cemetery, Ronceverte, WV.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in John’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Fairlea, 9146 Seneca Trail, Ronceverte, WV 24970.
The online guestbook is available at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Submitted by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte.
