LUBBOCK - John Ralph Smith, 63, passed away Mar. 10, 2025 in Lubbock. he was born Oct. 30, 1961, in Big Spring, to Charlie and Lou Smith.
He grew up south of Stanton and attended Garden City through his 5th grade year and then transferred to Stanton ISD where he graduated in 1980.
He was a member of the Martin County 4H where he competed in trap and skeet shooting winning All State awards with fellow team members in 1979 and 1980.
In 1984 he placed second as the International trap Champion. John enjoyed hunting deer in Texas and elk in Colorado and Idaho. he also enjoyed time with his kids and teaching them to speak Spanish and other skills they could use in their futures.
He worked on the family farm with his dad Charlie and brother Jim. He also dabbled in insurance and was a manager or a car dealership.
John is preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Lou Smith, paternal grandparents B.L. and Nora Smith, maternal grandparents Sydney and Ollie Lamb and Lenora Lamb and stepbrother David Blake.
He is survived by his children Trent Smith (Brandi) of Hermleigh; daughter Alayna Conway (Zach) of Spring Branch; grandchildren hagen and Cooper Smith of Hermleigh and Cilliam of Canyon Lake; sisters Betty McKim (Ray) of San Angelo, Sherry Smith-Cook of Stanton; brother Jim Smith (Valerie) of Vincent; stepmother Betty Smith of Sephyr; stepsisters Tahita Holloway (Jerry), Belinda Campbell of Coleman; stepbrother Don Blake (Donna) of Greenwood; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.
The family will have a private service at a late date.