Johnnie James Smith Jr., affectionately known as “Johnboy” and “Sonnyboy,” departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at Mary Immaculate Hospital with family by his side.

He was born the third of four children to Johnnie James Smith Sr. and the late Evelyn Gaskins Smith on Oct. 23, 1954 in Mollusk, Va.

In early years, he was employed by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Johnnie later worked for various companies in the Northumberland and Lancaster areas and before his illness he was employed as a gardener at Lisburne Farm, Ordinary, Va.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife, Ivory B. Smith; his father, Johnnie J. Smith Sr. (Phyllis); two sons, Dwayne Waters and Jamaal Ball; a step-son, Michael Billups; one daughter, Erica Smith (Darren); one brother; two step- brothers; two sisters; one step-sister; his father-in-law; six sisters-in-law; nine brothers-in-law; seven grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral service was held Sunday, March 3, 2013, at the Rising Valley Baptist Church, James Store. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Service of comfort by the J.K. Redmond Funeral Home, Shacklefords.