Mr. John Francis Smith

Mr. John Francis Smith, age 84 of Stuart, passed away Monday, November 7, 2011 at his home. He was born in Decatur , Georgia on August 31, 1927 to the late James Paul Smith and Sarah McCord Smith. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Francis Smith; and two brothers, Henry McCord Smith and James Smith. He was a graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics; had served with the Merchant Marines, and had retired as a Cryptologist with the National Security Agency where he had worked from 1950 through 1985. He then worked as an encryption consultant for E-Systems. Mr. Smith and his wife Carolyn moved to Stuart, Virginia in 1990 to be near their daughter and her family. In addition to joining his son-in-law’s contracting business, Valley Builders and Associates, he volunteered for the SCAEL (Scholastic Competition of Academic Excellence), contributing his expertise as a math judge and question writer. He was very active at the Reynolds Homestead, attending numerous events with his wife and occasionally presenting programs. He was dedicated to growing and cultivating azaleas and rhododendrons, a passion he developed from a deep friendship with hybridizer, Dave Reeder. He was a member of the American Azalea and Rhododendron Society and was a Master Gardener.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Wolfe Smith of the home; two daughters, Sandra Lynn Smith, and husband, Victor Mark, of Birmingham , Alabama, Joni Smith Gardner and husband, Larry, of Stuart; one son, James Thomas Smith of Fort Collins, Colorado; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held for Mr. Smith Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. If desired, memorials may be made to the Reynolds Homestead, 463 Homestead Lane , Critz , Virginia 24082 . A celebration of his life will he held at The Reynolds Homestead at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

A time of visitation: Friday, November 11, 2011 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart