Obituary of Johnnie Smith

Mr. Johnnie Dean Smith, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Saturday, June 8, 2019. He was such a special man and loved by so many. Johnnie, JD to many, was born on April 23, 1942 in Watauga County to the late John and Lillie Byrd Smith of Valle Crucis. He graduated from Cove Creek High School and went on to serve his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He spent several years in Germany while on active duty. Upon returning home he spent countless hours with his beloved nieces and nephews and established a good life for himself in Watauga County. He went on to become part owner in Boone Industries. JD spent lots of his time making his business successful. When he wasnt working he enjoyed the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed camping and participating in the Buckskin Club. Johnnie was a Civil War enthusiast and often participated in re-enactments of this war with others who were just as enthusiastic of this time period. He was an avid skilled woodworker as well. He used this talent to make playhouses and hunting targets for his grandchildren. At the age of 48 he met the love of his life, Della, and later made her his wife. They were married for 20 years until her passing last November. They were both active members of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Boone where he served as a Deacon. Johnnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Della Cook Smith. In addition to his wife and parents, Johnnie was also preceded in death by a sister Peggy Smith Adams and three brothers Ray Smith, Edwin Smith, and Homer Smith. He is survived by a daughter, Beth Triplett, and husband Jeff of Shelby and their two children Kelsey and Jared, and a son Andrew Linker of Rock Hill, SC and wife Joanna and their two children Madalyn and Mason. He is also survived by a brother Wintford Smith and wife Maymie Lois of Knoxville, TN, and three sisters Mildred Tester of Valle Crucis, Jannetta Smith of Lenoir, and Wanda Hughes and husband Robert of Boone. He has many beloved nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Our Pop will be missed by so many, but especially by his sweet pups, Izzy and Daisy. A service to remember and celebrate Johnnies life is planned for Tuesday, June 11th at 1:00 at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Castleford Road in Boone. The family will receive friends before the service at 12:00 at Tabernacle. Military graveside honors provided by the American Legion Post #130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter #90 will follow services at the Cook Cemetery in Rutherwood where he will be laid to rest by his beloved Della. The family would like to take this opportunity to express their love and gratitude to Johnnies sister, Wanda, and his nieces, Marcia Lusk and Donna Tate for the love and care you shared during his recent illness. You never left his side and for that we are eternally grateful. We would also like to thank Medi Home Health and Hospice of Boone as well as all the caring staff at Watauga Regional Medical Center for your love and expertise during this difficult time. The family suggests memorials to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Smith family.