John Clinton Smith Jr.

John Clinton Smith, Jr passed away peacefully Thursday, May 18th holding hands with his wife of nearly 53 years. John Clint was born to John Clinton Sr and Martha Lee on October 30, 1950. He graduated from Forrest County Agricultural High School in 1969 as “most handsome” and a standout defensive football player. At age 19 he met his soul mate and proposed marriage after only two dates. A few short months later, the two were married on August 29,1970.

John Clint served his country in the Army National Guard for 6 years and felt like every capable young person should serve their country to get a better understanding of discipline and our freedoms and why they are so important. After his time served, he and his wife Patsy spent time in Illinois, Washington, and California working as a union pipefitter and nurse. A union job opened up in Clinton, Ms so the two decided to settle in the Monterey community on family land and together they built a Jim Walter home. After a long battle with infertility and failed adoptions, the two welcomed an unexpected child from Las Vegas, Nevada. This little girl instantly became the center of their world. In 1996 the family purchased 20 acres of land in Star, Ms where John Clint would spend his time making it into a farm that he could one day leave his beloved daughter. His love for her could only be rivaled by her four sons.  

Throughout his adult life, John Clint was an avid outdoorsman. His passion was hunting and he cherished the lifelong relationships he made with other hunters he met along the way. He also had a deep love for horses. He enjoyed riding through the woods and hunting off his horse at deer camp, on wagon trains, and on destination trail rides. He even helped to train and condition the horse that won his daughter several regional and world barrel racing titles.

He was a good son, brother, husband, uncle, father, and grandfather. He was a man of faith who wholeheartedly dedicated his life as a family. He had pride in his country and thought America was the greatest country on Earth and proudly supported American products and companies. He was preceded in death by his parents John Clinton Sr. and Martha Smith, a brother that was born an angel and a brother-in-law Billy Rodgers and sister-in-law JoAnn Rodgers. He is survived by his wife Patsy Smith, daughter Dawn McLendon (James) grandsons Austin, Levi, John David, and Walker. Sister Virginia Garner (Charles), brothers-in-law Norman Rodgers, Anthony Rodgers (Cheryl), and David Rodgers (Eileen) and a host of nieces and nephews.