John M. Smith

John M. Smith, 69, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor John’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 6 at St. James United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Joseph Park. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

John was born on March 24, 1955, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Richard and Juanita Smith. He dedicated his life to faith, service, and education. A devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church, he served as the Sunday School Superintendent and Chair of the Education Ministry, guiding and inspiring many in their spiritual journeys.

John had a passion for community service which shined in his extensive volunteer work. He contributed his time to the American Red Cross and Newport Fire Department. His leadership extended to organizations such as the Rotary Club of Morehead City, as well as the Toastmasters of Morehead City. Committed to education, he was an active member of the North Carolina Community College Adult Education Association and was honored as Staff Person of the Year at Carteret Community College.

In addition to his professional and volunteer work, John provided business mentoring for SCORE, helped with Newport Prison Community Resource Counseling, and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. His dedication to service was recognized with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors, awarded to him by the Governor. He also received the Joseph T. Barwick Civic Award which honored individuals for their community service. John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church community, and all those whose lives he touched.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Susan Smith; daughter, Jamie Smith Higgins (Pat) of Newport, NC; son, Adam Clifton Smith (Jeannie) of Newport, NC; brother, Richard S. Smith Jr. (Janeen) of Tallahassee, FL; and grandchildren, Ava Marie Smith, Samantha Paige Higgins, Lily Mae Smith, and Kyle Patrick Higgins.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 250, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.