John Lewis Smith

My uncle, John Lewis Smith, age 75, went to be with our Lord and Savior on October 1, 2026, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on December 29, 1950, to Lewis and Viola Smith in Astoria, Oregon. John was their third child, but the only boy. 

Lewis and Viola raised John in Rankin, Texas, where he played football, basketball, baseball, and track for the Rankin Red Devils, which sparked a love of sports that grew into an avid fandom for any sport aired on ESPN. After graduating from Rankin High School as valedictorian in 1969, John continued his education at Baylor University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. The pride of being a Baylor Bear stayed with him until his passing. John shared over 25 wonderful years with his loving wife Melba. He worked hard throughout his life and maintained friendships that he had since starting school. John became incredibly active in retirement, finding joy in kayaking and biking with friends he made in San Angelo. He was an avid reader, enjoying the prose of authors like Tom Clancy and Lee Child. He found the most joy in fishing or hunting, either with his friend Bert or brother-in-law, Jack. But not to be outdone was his penchant for acting as the older brother and giving his sister, Lynn, advice, whether she wanted it or not. He loved being a father, uncle, and grandfather, again finding ways to listen and offer advice, while always showing pride in the accomplishments of his daughters, nieces, and grandson.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack Smith and Gertrude Smith; parents, Lewis Milton Smith and Viola Smith; and sisters, Jackie and Wana Jean.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Smith of San Angelo, Texas; daughters, Ashleigh Ellen Smith of Houston, Texas, and Jessica Jean Melton of Memphis, Tennessee; sister, Lynn Hill and her husband, Jack of Magnolia, Texas; nieces, Lela Kathryn Koerting Hill of Amarillo, Texas, and Whitney Morgan Elise Hill of Tampa, Florida. His grandson is Tanner Austin Melton of Memphis, Tennessee. He is also survived by extended family, Bert and Sandra Koch of Boerne, Texas.

The viewing/visitation will be Sunday, October 4, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home, San Angelo, Texas. The memorial service will be at Harper Funeral Home on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10 a.m., and the graveside service will be held at the Rankin Cemetery on Monday, October 5, 2026, following the memorial service, with Pastor Mack Roller presiding. The family asks that any memorials be sent to West Texas Boys Ranch in San Angelo, Texas.