John Elwood Smith (Luke) went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at the Riverside Convalescent Center-Mathews.

He was a life-long resident of Mathews County, Va. and joined Wayland Baptist Church, Beaverlett, at an early age.

He began his career as a commercial fisherman, and retired from the Norshipco after 22 years of service.

He was an avid fisherman. He had a love for singing and dancing. In his earlier years, he was the lead singer for the well-known band, The Donatones. He was also the lead singer for the National Farmer of America Quartet, who won the regional contest for the state of Virginia. The quartet was under the direction of the late Mr. M. A. McKenney. Luke loved telling jokes and laughter. He will always be an honorary member of the Hyco Market, his favorite hang-out spot.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Marshall Smith and Dora Mae Smith, and brother, Morris Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Lois V. Smith; four sons, Kenneth, Rickey (Ann), Dwayne (Denise) and Kevin; two daughters, Rita and Denise; sister, Thelma S. Jackson (Ernest); sisters-in-law, Celestine Smith, Mildred Williams, and Gladys Johnson; brother-in-law, Robert Thompkins (Donna); 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

The family received friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Wayland Baptist Church. A funeral will be held at noon Thursday, Nov. 15, in the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.