John R. Smith Jr.

John R. Smith, Jr., Age 60, of Beavercreek, recently passed away. He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Smith, Sr. and Edna Smith; his sister Catherine; and his faithful pet, Peppie. He is survived by his sister Deborah Summerlot (John); one niece and three nephews; two great-nephews, an aunt and several cousins .


John received a BS degree in Systems Engineering from Wright State University and BS degree from the University of Dayton.


John was employed for 29 years at Wright-Patterson AFB as an Electronics Engineer. Before he retired early in 2013, John was assigned as the radar technical expert to develop a terrain following system for Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft. Throughout his career, John's technical expertise was recognized and earned the respect of his peers, senior leadership, industry counterparts, and the customer at the operational commands. He was hand picked to provide expertise on special assignments. He received many accolades and was nominated for special honors on several occasions. In 1988, he was the Aeronautical System Division/Air Force Association Junior Engineer of the Year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Special Operations Warrior Foundations" by visiting the web site: www.specialops.org by clicking on "Make a donation by accessing memorials on part 2, under "Program Area." To donate by check or money order, mail to: Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 89367, Tampa, FL 33689.