John Walter Smith

John W. Smith, 78, of Woodstock, GA, passed away peacefully in Alpharetta, GA, on Saturday, August 9, 2025. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Cheryl L. Smith, who passed just over one year ago.

John was born on April 27, 1947, in Huron County, Michigan, to Norbert J. Smith and Wanda A. Smith. He was raised in Elkton, MI, surrounded by his elder sister, Arlene S. Barry, and nine cherished nieces and nephews. After graduating from Western Michigan University, he moved to Florida, where he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.

In 1970, John welcomed his first son, also named John W. Smith. During the Vietnam War era, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, where he met the love of his life, Cheryl L. Anderson, who was serving as an Army nurse. They married on June 7, 1975, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Two years later, the couple moved back to Michigan, where their children—Aaron, Jessica, and Sarah—were born. They later returned to Florida to raise their family in Boca Raton. Upon retirement, John and Cheryl settled in Woodstock, GA, twelve years ago to be closer to family.

A respected member of the bar in both Michigan and Florida for several decades, John also pursued his entrepreneurial spirit, founding and running several businesses, including Antrim Dells Golf Club in Northern Michigan and Boca Title, Inc., a title insurance company in South Florida.

John is survived by his children: John W. Smith of Lake Bluff, IL; Aaron L. Smith of Zurich, Switzerland; Jessica W. Nelms of Alpharetta, GA; and Sarah S. Hill of Brooklyn, NY; as well as twelve beloved grandchildren and his faithful 4-pound Pomeranian, Sugar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Wanda, and his elder sister, Arlene.

John was an avid woodworker, sailor, aviator, entrepreneur, and lawyer—but above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His life was marked by gentleness, humility, and steadfast love.