John Smith

John Dupree "J. D." Smith, 87, of Pauline died Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Mountain View Nursing Home. Born December 30, 1923 in Pauline, he was the son of the late Manning Dupree and Lillie Mae Jones Smith. He was retired as a private building contractor after 55 years of service. He was a graduate of Pauline High School, a former member of the Home Builders Association of Spartanburg, Masonic Lodge #81, a Hejaz Shriner, and he served as magistrate in District #9 for a brief period of time, and worked for Neely Lumber Company for several years. Mr. Smith was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church until his health declined. He loved his church and the church family; they were very special to him. Mr. Smith is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Catherine Vise Smith; three daughters, Carolyn (Butch) Rhoads of Moore, Dianne (Jerry) Howard, and Connie (Harold) Graham both of Pauline; son, Randy (Rita) Smith of Saluda, NC. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Scott (Carla) Howard, Jason Howard, Toni Rhoads Neal, (Ret.) Major Travis (Ginny) Rhoads, Kelli (Chad) Smith, Dr. Stacy Graham, Kristi (Jamie) Steele, Tracy Smith, and Jonathan Smith; fourteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Flora Morrow and Sherrill O'Shields of Spartanburg. He was predeceased by a Grandmother, Martha Jones Smith (Granny) who was very special to him; sisters, Thelma O'Shields, Hazel Goodwin, brother, Kenneth R. Smith, and great-granddaughter, Lily Rebekah Smith. Visitation will be 10:00-11:15 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Friendship Baptist Church. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:30 AM, conducted by the Rev. Brian Harris and a very special friend. Mr. Larry Bishop. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews, Richard and Legrand Morrow, Jeffery and Dennis Goodwin, David O'Shields and Phillip Smith. The family wishes to express special thanks to the caregivers who took care of him before entering the nursing home. He loved them like family: Mary, Ruthie, Jackie, Marie, and Memphis. Special thanks to Mountain View Nursing Home for the great care given to him while there. The staff, nurses, and caregivers there were very special loving people. Friendships were made which will never be forgotten. Also, thanks to Dr. Ralph Tesseneer and his nurse, Kelly, for being so good to him for many years. In remembrance of Mr. Smith, memorials may be made to the Cemetery Fund, c/o Friendship Baptist Church, 830 Friendship Baptist Church Road, Pauline, SC 29374. Flowers will be accepted. The family is at the home. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Dupree Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.