John Lee "Jack" Smith, Jr.

   John Lee "Jack" Smith, Jr., 84, of 164 Reynoldson Road, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025, in his home where he was being cared for by family.

   Mr. Smith was born in Suffolk, VA on August 2, 1940, and was the son of the late John Lee, Sr. and Genevieve Brown Smith. A graduate of Gatesville High School Class of 1958, he then attended Chowan College on a basketball scholarship where he graduated with an associate’s degree in 1960. He furthered his education at East Carolina College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in both social studies and public service, as well as having received his teaching certification. He served as a squad leader in the Suffolk National Guard having gone to basic training in Ft. Knox, KY and later to Ft. Bliss, TX for training as a communications specialist. His 31-year career with the Department of Social Services began with Nansemond County and then Suffolk having first served as an assistant social worker, then court worker, and finally retiring as an Assistant Director. Other areas of employment included his time as an attendance officer with both Beaufort County and the City of Washington public school systems.

   A lifetime member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, he faithfully served as a deacon for 63 years, trustee for 24 years, as director of the brotherhood for two years, as a teacher in three different Sunday school classes through the years, and as the youth pastor for a year. Other community involvement dear to him included membership in the Gates Ruritan Club for 60 years and the Gates Senior Men’s Club for 28 years.

   Surviving is his wife of 60 years, Carole Carter Smith; his son, John Lee Smith, III (wife, Melody); three brothers, Bradford Brown Smith (wife, Sandra, deceased), James Wayne “Jimmy” Smith, and Samuel Tracy Smith (wife, Debbie), all of Gates; two grandchildren, Joseph Howell of Richmond, VA and Linnea Hornung of Norfolk, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Luther “Tom” Smith.

   Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church Cemetery, and will be conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Cody Brinkley. Friends may visit with the family in the social hall of the church immediately following the services on Wednesday and all other times at the residence.

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Gates County EMS, the Sheriff’s Dept., Gates Vol. Fire Dept., and to Southampton Skilled Care in Franklin, VA, for their assistance during their times of need.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reynoldson Baptist Church, PO Box 308, Gates, NC 27937, or to a charity of one’s choice.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.