John Smith

John L. Smith, 79, of Boca Raton, Florida passed away on September 25, 2018.

Born March 13, 1939 in Louisiana to two devoted, hard working parents, Tom and Leola Smith, who were married for forty years. His family moved from Louisiana to Benicia, California, where John attended elementary and high school. An intelligent, strong and talented young athlete, he excelled in basketball, football, track and baseball. In 1991, he was honored as one of the all-time greats in Benicia High’s 1957 football program, and one of the best all-time all-around athletes at Benicia High.

John also loved music and was known as a great saxophonist. He played the saxophone at every school dance as part of the high school dance band, earning the nickname, John “Sax” Smith. He went on to graduate from college in Vallejo at Vallejo Junior College and continued to play the saxophone in his adult years. In June of 1982, John completed an Associate in Arts in Nursing at Chabot College in Hayward, California. He spent the majority of his career serving as a surgical technician and operating room assistant he also spent some time working in the Emergency Room at Eden Hospital in Hayward, California. John later worked at and retired from Wilson’s Bicycle Sales, in Hayward, California.

 In 2003 John moved to Florida with his loving wife and best friend, Tina of 33 years. While living in Florida, John and Tina, worked many years together at Extra Space storage where they developed many loving relationships with both clients and staff. As dedicated Christians, they attended Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, where they accepted Christ into their lives on Christmas Eve in 1995; they continued their walk with Christ at Calvary Chapel in  Fort Lauderdale, Florida. John remained a devoted Christian through his transition. He is now with the Lord!

His loving and devoted wife Tina will remember him as a gentle, humble and kind man who would listen to you for as long as necessary, never speaking in an unkind way. Tina says, “God could have never blessed me with anyone more special….” John was truly the love of her life. We all know that he loved her deeply as well.

John will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Tina, his brother, Charles, his loving children, John II, Ramona Lisa and Carter, five grandchildren, Monique Arelle, Isaiah, Anastasia, Yeseña Léola, Savannah Grace and Taylor;  one  great grandchild , Marisól, many nieces and nephews and a host of extended friends and family, including grown children and grandchildren in California from an earlier marriage.  John was also greatly loved and will be missed by all of the members of Tina’s family,  who often referred to him as a “Saint” and an “angel” walking this earth. His nephew Damon always looked up to him as the larger than life “superstar” of the family. All who knew him would agree.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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