John Carlis Smith

John Carlis Smith was born on March 31, 1928, in Tatum, Texas, to Charles Tarrant Smith and Leora Thornsberry-Smith, both of whom preceded him in death.

John was faithfully married to Mildred Louise Allen-Smith for more than 20 years until her passing in 1977. He later married Helen Josephine Burnside-Smith, who preceded him in death in 2016 and whom he loved dearly.

A devoted Christian, John cherished his church family and especially enjoyed singing old gospel songs, including memorable duets with Kathy Alexander. He loved his family deeply and treasured every gathering spent with them. A carpenter for most of his life, John took pride in working with his hands. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, and he was delighted to take part in “The Adventures of Don and John” on Facebook with one of his closest friends, Don Tisdale.

John is preceded in death by his siblings—Mary Charline Campbell, Joy Mack Fleming, Tillman Joe Smith, William Franklin Smith, and Cullen Warren Smith—as well as his son, Carl Douglas Lawson.

He is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Bayliss of Guthrie, OK, Angelia Engledow and husband Archie of Wills Point, TX, Amy Baber and husband Gil of Kaufman, TX and son Kenneth Lawson and wife Terri of Granbury, TX.

He also survived by his grandchildren: Brandi Ashford, Kimberly Newsom, Elizabeth Mynar, Rachel Johnson, Archie Engledow II, Lauren Quarrington, Riley Lawson, Kenneth Lawson II, Jeremy Lawson, Amie Aguilar, and Alesia Pickett.

His great-grandchildren include: Faith Ashford, Jonathon Ashford, Christopher Newsom, Kennedy Newsom, Amber Shults, Jaron Wise, Kaden Engledow, Addison Engledow, Lillie Mynar, Weston Mynar, Christopher Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Meagan Johnson, Hagen Quarrington, Skylar Quarrington, Connor Aguilar, Stella Aguilar, Maxwell Lawson, Lilah Lawson, Canyon Lawson, Noah Pickett, Salem Pickett, Aava Lawson, Briana Lawson, Branden Lawson, Nathaniel Lawson, Jacob Lawson, Kalevi Lawson, and Nikolas Lawson.

John leaves behind many other beloved family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.