John Bernard (JB) Smith, Jr. passed away on February 23, 2021 at his residence in Collinsville, MS. A visitation was held on Monday, March 01, 2021 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, Tuscaloosa, AL. A graveside service immediately followed at Memory Hill Gardens -Garden of Devotion- with Dr. Dan Lanier officiating.

John B. Smith, Jr. was born on August 2, 1950 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He grew up in the Coaling community and graduated from Brookwood High School in 1968. J.B. attended the University of Alabama earning a degree in Civil Engineering. He had an amazing career as an employee of Southern Company Services in Birmingham, Alabama, for 39 years.

On December 22, 1972, J.B. married the love of his life Wanda Phillips of Cottondale, Alabama. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this past year. J.B. was the father of Shana Leigh and Jason Andrew Smith. Following the Godly example of their parents, Shana married her true love, Johnny Mack Jones, and Jason married his soulmate, Kimberly Ann Trayal. J.B. was blessed with 8 grandchildren who lovingly called him Pops: Avery McKay (17), Johnny Mack, Jr. (13), Micah Mae (9), Fielder McDaniel (7), Carson Andrew (15), Casen Luke (7), Collins Grace (4), and Crew Locklin (2). J.B. is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Karen Phillips Chandler (Tony) and Kay Ivy Phillips. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Jimmy Roberts and Billy Phillips. J.B. was a lifelong outdoorsman.

He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and especially the sport of baseball. Coaching his son Jason through the years, he made a tremendous impact on many ball players in the Alabaster Sports League. He loved Alabama football, West Lauderdale Baseball, and was extremely passionate about anything involving his precious grandchildren.

A highlight of J.B’s life was ministering to the Mayan village of Chan Chen, Mexico, where he served through construction, sports programs, VBS, and door to door outreach. Pops always displayed integrity with a generous, caring, and compassionate spirit. J.B will be remembered, most importantly, for his living example of the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.