John Layton Smith age 67 of 146 Miles Road, Collinsville, died Tuesday March 8, 2011 at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville. He was born February 10, 1944 in Sydney, Australia to the late John Edward Smith, and Louisa Nell Philby Smith of Natural Bridge. His father predeceased him.
He was veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War, and was awarded the Purple Heart w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, VUA, and National Defense Service Medal. He was of the Baptist faith, and worked as a truck driver for over 25 years with MGM in High Point, NC.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bonita Rickman Smith of the home, one daughter, Helen Smith of Bassett, two sons, Thomas Allen Welch of Montvale, and Jeffrey Wade Smith of Bassett, two sisters, Brenda Smith of Natural Bridge, and Barbara Smith of Roanoke, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be Friday March 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Roselawn Chapel with Rev. J. D. Harmon officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with full military honors by the Martinsville & Henry County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Thursday March 10, 2011 in the Roselawn Chapel, and at other times at the home on 146 Miles Road, Collinsville.
Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home