John A Smith was the son of the late Lang & Christine Smith of Texarkana, Arkansas. He was born on November 17, 1946.

He joined the Eleventh Street Baptist Church at an early age. John graduated from Booker T. Washington High School on May 31, 1964.

He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1964 and re-enlisted in 1966 and stayed until 1972.

Upon honorable discharge from the Army, John started employment at Red River Army Depot.

He later worked for the State First National Bank for over twenty years and then worked for the Housing Authority in maintenance until he retired.

John was the father of three children, daughter, Anika Smith (Texarkana, AR) and two sons, John A. Smith (Texarkana, AR) and Fredrick Smith who preceded him in death.

He was the oldest brother of a family of ten children. Two sisters preceded him in death, Vicki Smith and Sandra Kelley; and one brother, Anthony Smith.

Survivors are George Smith (Texarkana, AR); Andrew Smith (Opelousas, LA); Patricia Sledge (San Bernadina, CA); Linda Tyson (Texarkana, AR); Barbun Dunn and Sheryl Jones (both of Texarkana, TX), one granddaughter, Alicia Smith and one great-grandchild, Alyssa Smith (Texarkana, AR). His children would say that he was a great father, a great friend and will be missed tremendously.