John Leroy Smith
May 21, 1944 to Nov. 2, 2014
A memorial service is planned for friends to say farewell to John Leroy Smith, a brother and friend who passed away at his home following a lengthy illness. He was 70 years old.
John was born in New Mexico and raised in Louisiana by his parents, John C. Smith and Louise A. Dukeshire Smith.
John has no known living family members, other than his good friends whom he considered his “real” family.
He lived in Boulder Creek with JJ and Lori Webb and their family for over 20 years. He was “Uncle John” to all the kids of his friends. He was loved by all.
John was a member of the Ben Lomond Fellowship, the Santa Cruz Diversity Center, the Santa Cruz Rainbow Vets Group, and several other groups as well. He took great pride in being an EVS Clerk with the Elections Department.
Friends and family gathered at the Scotts Valley Senior Center for a potluck dinner and remembrances on Sunday Dec. 7 to share memories of John with his large extended friends/family.
His ashes will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at his residence beside his favorite old dog, Thief.
Any kind acts of charity can be made in John’s memory to Human Rights Campaign, Southern Poverty Law Center or, locally, at Valley Churches United Missions.
