Fallen Hero: Retired Sergeant John Henry Smith

Oxford, MS

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Funeral Home

Wells Funeral Home

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Obituary

Look Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero who Served in the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten.” In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service, which our military men and women have given to their country and our state, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard memorializing its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation. Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on September 15, 2026 and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Retired Sergeant John Henry Smith, age 75, Oxford, MS, who served 1st Squadron, 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor Regiment has departed and gone to a better place with our Lord and Savior.

It takes a special person to serve in the military for their country, sacrificing time with family time, comfort, and safety to ensure all Americans can enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.

A special message from General Douglas MacArthur remains relevant today for our servicemen who have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away.” Rest in peace, soldier. We honor your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family’s support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly, and live so freely.

You have now earned your rest, so go fly with the angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is complete. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.

Another great soldier has gone home—“Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life.”

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

John Henry Smith, age 75, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at his home in Oxford, Mississippi.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville, Mississippi. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home.

John Henry was born on March 11, 1951 to the late John Denver Smith and Mattie Maude Smith in Holly Springs, MS. He devoted much of his working life to Georgia Pacific, where he spent 30 years as a foreman. His long career reflected dedication, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. After that chapter of his life, he continued serving others as a security guard at the North MS Regional Center in Oxford for 8 years.

He also gave many years in service to his country. John Henry proudly served in the United States Army National Guard for over 20 years. During that time, he served as a Sergeant in the 108th Armored Calvary and the 155th Calvary battalion of the Mississippi National Guard, a commitment that spoke to his sense of duty and loyalty.

Outside of work and military service, John Henry found great joy in sports. He was an enthusiastic fan, especially of Ole Miss football and baseball, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals. Among the memories his family cherishes most is his devotion as an Ole Miss fan—John Henry always stayed to the very end of the football games to enjoy Elvis on the jumbo tron singing “American Trilogy.” It is a memory that captures both his loyalty and the simple happiness he found in the traditions he loved.

Those John Henry leaves behind to cherish his fun-loving memory include his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Smith of Oxford, MS; his two children, Chasity Kim (Sammy) of Oxford, MS, and John Darwin Smith (Wendy) of Pontotoc, MS; his grandchildren, Courtney Pruitt (Barron) of Oxford, MS, Taylor House (Brandon) of Lafayette Springs, MS, Devon Stiles (Mitchell) of Oxford, MS, Denver Smith (Logan) of Oxford, MS, Dayton Smith (Vincent) of Abbeville, MS, Kylee Smith (Landon) of Abbeville, MS, Jorja Smith of Abbeville, MS, Landis Kim of Olive Branch, MS, and Elizabeth Bullard Manning of Oxford, MS; and his precious great grandchildren: Nathan (10), Jaxon (8), Kason (13), Kynslee (11), Hudson (7), Mabry (5), Ella (9), Avery (8), Graci (5), Sawyer (8), and Stetson (4).

He also leaves behind a daughter-in-law, Kelly Presley of Abbeville, MS; and his siblings, Joann Mize of Senatobia, MS, Lisa White (Carl) of Collierville, TN, Hazel Johnson (Cecil) of Potts Camp, MS, Debbie Brewer of Byhalia, MS, Robbie Anderson (Bob) of Olive Branch, MS, and Champ Smith (Kathy) of Potts Camp, MS.

Along with his parents, John Henry was preceded in death by one brother, James Lloyd Smith.

John Henry’s life was marked by hard work, faithful service, and a deep love for family and the things that brought him joy. He will be remembered as a good man to all who knew and loved him, and especially to his family, whose lives were enhanced by his steady presence and love.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the incredible care they gave to him in his final months, including his nurse Andrea and his hospice aids Peanut and Madison.

The family also thanks his sitter Jonathan for being more than a sitter, but becoming a great companion for him.