John R. (Johnny Bob) Smith

John R. (Johnny Bob) Smith passed away peacefully in his home and was welcomed at the gates of heaven by his family on Sunday, December 16th. John fought a courageous battle with cancer with dignity and amazing strength just like every obstacle he tackled through life. John loved his family and his countless hours he spent tending his cattle and farming. Most importantly, he loved "his girls" more than anything in life. He was a caretaker to God's land, extremely fun-loving, and an honest and generous friend to everyone he met. John was strongly vested in 4-H and FFA activities. John was born in Jamestown, Ohio on June 20, 1941 to John Sivine and Mary Belle Waugh who preceded him in death. He was preceded in death by a brother Raymond Smith, and sisters Pluma Call, Goldie Shriver, Mable Roush, and Mary Smith. John is survived by his wife Martha Lou (Brumley) whom he married on August 18, 1967. John is also survived by his daughters Angie Williamson, Kelly (Jared) Vernon, grandchildren Whitley Sigman, Mallory Alderigi (Jacob Gordon),and great-grandchildren Paige, Owen, Damien, and Stella Rose. Also surviving are half-brother Carl Smith, step-siblings Debbie Sparks and Stanley Taylor, and special nephew and niece Keith Spurlock and Cindy Bryant. In addition to his love of farming, John was a member of the Army National Guard and employed by Bob Evans Sausage Plant in Bidwell for 43 and a half years. Upon retirement he invested all of his spare time with his family and the land he loved. John enjoyed sharing stories of the fun times he had in the past, deer hunting stories, trading, and sharing his farming wisdom with Keith and Jared. His patience, strength, and ingenuity was admired by all of those who loved him. Pallbearers will be Chad Pope, Jason Shriver, Frank Shriver, Jay Shriver, Kevin Foster, Brandon Montgomery, and Richard Brumley. Honorary pallbearers include Keith Spurlock, John Henry Shriver, Bob Drummond, and Phil Pope. According to John's wishes, services will involve a cemetery chapel service on Tuesday, December 18th at 11 am at the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens on Neighborhood Road. Rev. John Jackson and David Jackson will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in John's honor to the Holzer Center for Cancer Care or to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org (donate under Kelly Vernon for John's battle). Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send email condolences.