John B. Smith, a retired Delaware Department of Correction sergeant, Army veteran, musician, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away peacefully at his Milford home on Sunday, July 26. He was 60.
Born June 25, 1966, in Milford, Smith was the son of the late Franklin and Dolores Smith. He graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1984 before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably from 1984 to 1987.
Following his military service, Smith worked for 11 years at New Process Fiber in Greenwood before beginning a career with the Delaware Department of Correction. He dedicated many years to the department, retiring earlier this year with the rank of sergeant.
Outside of work, Smith enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was also a talented artist, songwriter, and avid guitar player. Family members said he especially cherished taking his children and grandchildren golfing and to the beach.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie Mazur; his children, Jonathon Michael Smith and his fiancée, Mariah Hunter, Joseph Franklin Smith and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Smith, Breanna Nicole Smith, and Brandon Seth Nichols; his grandchildren, Carter Smith, Brayden Nichols, Natalie Smith, and Emily Smith; his brothers, Franklin, William, Terry, and Robert Smith; and his sisters, Sandra Smith and Cheryl Messick.
Family and friends are invited to visitation from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Rogers Hovatter Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Funeral services will begin at noon, followed by interment at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or the Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
