John Edwin Smith passed away on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, at the home of his daughter, Kathy Smith Grosche. In civilian life, he was a Master Plumber and owned Smith Commercial Plumbing.

He was a veteran of World War II and served in the European Theater as a sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the 350 Bombardment Squadron, which was part of the 100th Bomb Group — they were known as the Bloody 100th due to the terrible losses incurred. He flew 33 missions over Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathy Smith (Charles) Grosche of Bogalusa, and Dorothy Smith Cliburn of Harrisville, Miss.; three sons, James Maurice Smith, Michael M. Smith both of Bogalusa, and Mark Smith of Nashville, Tenn.; eight grandchildren, Cherie Smith (Bryan) Genco of Bogalusa, Lisa Sharp (J.P.) Calais of Pensacola Beach, Fla., John Sharp of Santa Monica, Calif., Tammy Cliburn (Mike) Morrow and Buddy Cliburn, both of Harrisville, Steven (Alesha) Smith and Scott (Nikki) Wheat, both of Bogalusa, and Becky Grosche (Randy) Holton of Pearl, Miss.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ettie Thomas Smith; his father, John E. Smith Sr.; his sister, Irma Smith Lee; three brothers, Marl Smith, Evon Smith and Herbert Smith; his granddaughter, Krystal Lynn Sharp; and his son-in-law, James Cliburn.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 4 p.m., with Mr. Wade Adams and the Rev. Mike Haley officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery with full military graveside services by the Magic City American Legion Post #24.

To view and sign the register book, visit online pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.