John Russell Smith, 59, went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
For those who knew John, you knew what Christ had done in his life. He was a walking testimony of God’s grace and forgiveness. John never met a stranger. He was full of compassion and was always looking for ways to help others. He was a man of integrity and humility, an encourager, a servant-leader, a gifted teacher, and a man after God’s own heart.
John was a member of Calvary Assembly of God, where he enjoyed serving in multiple ministry areas, including Titus Brothers, Pathfinders, Altar Ministry, and Connections Team.
John loved his church, his church family, and his pastor, David Highlander. He was at the church most days, helping Pastor Dave wherever needed.
John was also a member of Recovery Alive at Liberty Live Church. John was faithful and committed to his participation and service with Jeff and Becky Chanter and the members. In February 2025, he learned that his dream of providing and serving in a recovery home for men was possible, and he became a National Recovery Alive Ambassador.
John loved riding his Harley and was a member of Broken Chains JC. He frequently connected with this community of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts who find hope and healing in Jesus Christ through the Christ-centered recovery process and helped others realize that change is possible.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Katrina Smith; his dad, Tony Smith; brother-in-law, Randall Durham.
John is survived by his sons, Stephen and Caleb Smith; mother, Yvette Smith; siblings, Frank Smith, Sandra Smith, Bambi Durham, and Nancy Smith; 14 nieces and nephews; Aunt Debbie Patterson and family, Uncle Don Pierce (Lynn) and family; and numerous cousins and friends.
Nothing brought him greater joy than the love he felt for his sons, mom, and siblings, and the deep, meaningful connection he shared with them. Their laughter and camaraderie illuminated his life, creating cherished memories that he held close to his heart.
John’s journey on earth may have ended, but his legacy will live on and continue through the strength he demonstrated, the lives he touched, and the cherished memories held by those who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Assembly of God, 1380 N Mallory St., Hampton, Virginia 23663, on Thursday, October 23rd at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Assembly of God, Recovery Alive, and Broken Chains JC
12 Comments
I LOVE AND MISS YOU WAS ALWAYS A GOOD BIG BROTHER
John was my friend. He loved my family, and I love his. I am so thankful that I met John at Calvary. When I would compliment John’s willingness to help, he’d shrug his shoulders and say, “I’m just doing what my pastors do”. The truth is, we can all learn from John – he was sensitive to the Holy Spirit and he loved God’s heart, which is people. John’s willingness to help, his quick wit, his sensitivity to the Lord, his slightly off-key bold worship, and his heart for others will last for generations. John, you finished well, and my entire family will always, always love you.
He was such a sweet and encouraging man. I loved seeing his smile everytime we passed by each other at church. Calvary isn’t the same without him, but I know he’s in the presence of our Saviour and Lord and we’ll see him again.
We are so sorry for your loss. We knew John when he was a young man. He knew the Lord spared him that day on the railroad tracks and strived to serve Him. May you have peace knowing you will see him again and he will be healed!
To know John, was to LOVE John. He radiated Jesus. John could make you think about a certain verse of Scripture in a new way, he challenged you to LOVE others better, and to serve God more sincerely. I have been on the receiving end of John’s kind servant heart on numerous occasions, and he has inspired me to do the same. This world was blessed to have John in it, and I look forward to spending eternity with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my friend John Smith.
Thank you for the many ways you chose Jesus, and to be an extension of Jesus.
You brought hope , and prayers alive.
Godspeed to all of your family.
We will not forget!!
Godspeed
John was a very giving and Christ loving man. He loved to jump in and do whatever was needed of him. He was loved dearly by his church family and friends. We have definitely felt the void with him not being here. We will see him again in our forever home. Until we meet again John.
He loved GOD and loved people. See you again brother.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength in God’s wonderful promise to swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. – Isaiah 25:8 Condolences
You are truly missed cuz (as he like to say). I will always remember growing up together with all our siblings, the piggy back rides, the spiritual conversations we shared, and that contagious laugh of yours.
May you be at peace with our Jesus and all the ones that have gone before us. ♥️
John was a great example of God’s love. He had a great servant heart. John loved people and he knew no strangers. John was part of Calvary church family and he is dearly missed. I love you John. Dance with Jesus.
I only really got close to John a few months before his passing, but learned a lot about his life in that time. He learned a lot about me. He would come to my home to help me with things that needed fixing. He’d work for thirty minutes and we’d talk for 2-3 hours. Anyone who knew John knew he loved to talk❤️. He had a beautiful smile, which I never tired of seeing. He loved God and was never ashamed to share the Gospel. John, you will be missed and you will always hold a special place in my heart. You are now in the arms of Jesus, so there will be no more pain nor no more tears.❤️