JOHN LEE SMITH
Funeral services for John Lee Smith, 91, took place Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Eighth Avenue Baptist Church in Teague. Bro Roy Prather officiated. Interment followed at Shanks Cemetery. John Lee Smith was born May 15, 1929 in Teague in the Davidson Hospital to John P. and Estelle Smith. His early childhood was spent in Shanks living on the family farm and attending the one room schoolhouse. When it closed in 1948, the students transferred to the Kirvin school. He and some of his classmates chose to go to Teague High School when Kirvin closed; while other classmates chose to attend school in Wortham. While attending Teague High, John worked at Palace Drug Store as a “soda jerk.”
John moved to Tyler, Texas, after graduation, where he sold insurance. He moved back to Teague when his parents became ill. While working for the City of Teague, a co-worker introduced him to Bonnie McKinley. After dating a short time, John and Bonnie were married on May 25, 1974. After working for the City of Teague for 10-plus years, he then began selling Farm Bureau Insurance. Others realized he was a great salesman when he believed in the cause. Not only was he great at selling insurance, he was also great at selling such things like baked goods at church bakes sales and raffles tickets for Relay for Life.
John spent time mowing the yards of the churches he and Bonnie attended. He did not consider mowing a job. He did consider it a God given talent. John was recognized for using his talent by receiving a plaque of 35 years. The Mexia Garden Club presented him with the Civic Pride award. Another talent was the bus ministry. John and Bonnie provided transportation (using the church van) picking up community members for Sunday and Wednesday services. John had numerous jobs during his lifetime. His most enjoyable job was being a greeter at WalMart and driving the Teague senior citizens. He drove them to their doctor appointments and even grocery shopping. John took them to surrounding area to see Christmas lights. He also drove the van for Centex Workshop where he took individuals out in the community for their training and enjoyment.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Smith of Mexia; four children, Robert Lane Smith & wife Dianna; Donnie Jo Wilson & husband Rick Alan, DonIvian Lee Smith & wife Amanda, Deleene Bailey & husband Tom; seven grandchildren, Kristy Nicole Waterman & husband Matthew, Brandin Smith & wife Shawna, Samantha Mari Smith & husband Sean Michael, Shawn Austin Smith & wife Holly, Seth Andrew Smith & wife Katie, Bradlee Raye Whitlow & wife Briana, and Hanna Elizabeth Bailey; his great-grandchildren, David Waterman, Henry Waterman, Paytin Smith, Colton Smith, Kenzie Smith, Michael Drake Smith, Kody Smith, Jace Lee Smith, Emilia Smith, Lila Smith, Brayden Whitlow, Brylan Whitlow, and Bradix Whitlow.
Preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Estelle Smith; his father & mother inlaw, Ben and Evelyn McKinley; and one granddaughter, Desiraye Jaylyn Whitlow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Eighth Avenue Baptist Church, 201 S. 8th Ave., Teague, Texas 75860.