Johnnie Smith Obituary

Johnnie N. Smith, Jr. CHARLESTON - Johnnie N. Smith, Jr., 76, of Charleston, left his earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father on November 1, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family at home. He attended St. Andrew's Parish High School and graduated from Murray Vocational High School, later going on to enhance his business skills at Trident Technical College. Johnnie worked for decades - all of his adult life - in management roles with various shipping companies at multiple terminals doing many aspects of business all across Charleston ports. Carolina Shipping Company, Southeastern Container Company, Container Maintenance Corporation, Refrigerated Container Services, and Atlantic Container Service were the companies that defined his career and benefited from his loyal expertise. In his down time, he enjoyed saltwater fishing - a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was usually the one who helped them proudly land their own first fishes. He also took great pride in the harvests from his vegetable gardens each year, as well as the beautiful plant and flower gardens he and his wife worked year-round to maintain at their home - a toil that was rewarded many times with the "Yard of the Month" award in their neighborhood. Cooking was also a passion that showed in his dishes like Charleston Red Rice. No young man was completely welcomed into the family without the traditional arm wrestling challenge (and defeat) he gave them. His grandchildren were the highlight and most joyful blessings of his life. Most notable is the kind of man he was. Johnnie loved God, his family, his country, and his South Carolina Gamecocks. He would stop at any time and in any place to pray with and for anyone he felt needed it, friends and strangers, alike. He was a kind and compassionate man who looked out for the underdog and would share with whoever needed help. Most of all, it was of utmost importance that each and every person in his family come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. No words can possibly express how much he was loved and adored by his family. Johnnie is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra, the woman with whom he shared a love for over 50 years. He also leaves behind his children, Shannon Smith (Kevin), Michael Smith (Jaime), and Jason Smith (Cameron), all of Charleston; grandchildren Ashley Peagler (Larry), Bryan Agro, Matthew Smith, Austin Smith, Logan Smith, Daniel Smith, Anna Smith, and Jacob Smith; great-grandchild Caleb Peagler, all of Charleston; his sister, Ginger Melendez of Chillicothe, IL; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Johnnie N., Sr. and Alice Barrineau Smith. There will be a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service at Grace United Methodist Church, 1601 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., Charleston, SC on November 10, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. His family will receive guests immediately following in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Roper Hospice nurses Ann, Dawn, Deniece, Amy, Michele, and Cara for their kindness, compassion, and tireless support. Since Johnnie loved flowers, they are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church Building Fund or Roper-St. Francis Hospice, Ladson, SC.