Published Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Mr. John D. Smith

Mr. John D. Smith, age 80, of Newnan, GA, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2009. During the 1950s and 1960s, John & his sister, Bonell, wrote over 400 songs -- mostly gospel. Their most famous song, "He is There," was recorded by Gail Storm and was the title song of her album. Pat Boone and Tab Hunter also recorded songs by John & Bonell. John had a beautiful voice and recorded numerous albums of his own, one being an album of just his and his sister's own music. He performed many concerts in many churches, including his own home church, Heatherwood Baptist Church in both Newnan and Riverdale, Ga. John retired from Sears & Roebuck as a division manager and pursued his music ministry full-time in the 1980s. Besides his family and music, his other love was fishing. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Betty F. Smith. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy & Wendy Smith of Marietta, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda & Lanny Adams of Newnan, GA; grandchildren, Jamie Grace Smith, Sarah Beth Smith, and Pierce Smith. Services will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at Heatherwood Baptist Church in Riverdale, GA, with Dr. Tom Daugherty officiating. The body will lie in state from 10-11 a.m. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange, GA. The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, June 10 from 4-8 p.m. at Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City, GA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Library Fund of Heatherwood Baptist Church in Newnan, GA.