Our beloved Reverend Dr. John C. Smith departed this life Friday, July 28, 2017 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. He was born to the late Charlie and Ardelia Gillespie Smith, on May 4, 1932 in Raleigh, NC.
Rev. Smith graduated from Washington High School, and attended Shaw University School of Divinity, both in Raleigh, NC.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Next to God, his family was the center of his joy.  Rev. Smith was a tall man in stature but humble at heart.
He served in the United States Army, taking part in the Korean and Vietnam Wars . He served in Europe and Asia and retired as a Sergeant Major after 30 years of meritorious service. Various medals were received during his Military career.
He was licensed to preach in 1954, and ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 1959 by J. B. Lewis, First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC.  He organized and built the Servicemen's Church in Killeen, TX and pastored there for eight years. The Calvary Baptist Church extended a call to the Pastoralship in 1980 and he was installed in Calvary Baptist Church  in January, 1981.  Reverend Smith was an Elocutionist, Oratorian, vocalist, violinist and an avid motivator.
Reverend Dr. Smith pastored the Evening View M.B.Church in Jacksonville NC. for eight years. After leaving Evening View he formed  New Vision M.B. Church, Jacksonville, NC. where he pastored diligently until his health failed. Rev Smith was a " Prayer Warrior" and a God fearing man who was known to be able to get a prayer through. He will truly be missed by his family, friends and surrounding communities.
Reverend Smith was preceded in death by one daughter, Gloria Birman, three sisters,and four brothers. 
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Priscilla Lang Smith, of the home;
five daughters, Brenda Goldston of Durham, NC; Linda Parreott of Neptune, NJ; Delores Taylor of Neptune, NJ; Janet (Dee) Hadley of Capitol Heights, MD; and Taylor Mizelle Scruggs Smith of Raleigh, NC; four sons John E. (Peggy Ann) Smith of Raleigh, NC; Mark A, (Tara Smith of Alabama; and Jesse T. Jr. (Leslie) Scruggs of Brandywine, MD;  22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; a host of nephews and nieces; other relatives and friends.

Rev. Smith's final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. 

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