Smith Sr., John Perry

On Monday, October 24, 2011, in the early hours of the evening, John Perry Smith Sr., of Radford, Va., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and brother joined the ranks of the Heavenly angels. He was born on November 10, 1928, the son of the late Martin Alexander Smith and Georgia Smith. He completed his education through the Chilhowie School system. After serving a tour in the Army, John began working at Radford Community Hospital, and then at Lynchburg Foundry, where he retired in 1992 after 26 years of service. He was well known and loved by many. John was devoted to God and his church, Radford Church of God in Christ, his wife, and his family. He shared generously with all who came into contact with him and served as a surrogate father for many nieces and nephews. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved to share his testimony about the goodness of the Lord and his healing power. John is predeceased by his devoted wife of 54 years, Althea Ingram Smith; his brothers, Nathan, Manuel, Stafford, and George Smith; and his sister, Elizabeth Owens. He is survived by four sons, John (Deanna) Smith Jr., William (Janice) Smith, Michael S. Smith, and Derrick (Michelle) Smith; and two daughters, Elaine (Mike) Adeniji and Donna (Larry) Irvin. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Maurica Smith, Brian Kimbrough, Richard Smith (Shana), Christopher Smith, Tori Smith, Brandi Brown, William (Kumie) Smith, Janelle (Patrick) Clemons, Justin (Crystal) Smith, Denelle (Nathan) Jackson, Danelle (Joseph) Lebron, Michael Smith, Kimberly Manns, and Martin Manns; one brother, Walter Smith; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Miller and Bernice Miller. He is also survived by a number of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who were a great source of his pride. He was a kind and generous spirit who will be greatly missed and always loved by his family and friends. A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at Radford Church of God in Christ, 206 Russell Avenue, Radford, Va. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens/Sunrise Burial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the church and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Friends may view the remains on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. at Serenity and from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. The family may be reached at the Smith home at 310 Sheppard Avenue, Radford, Va. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Service.