Deacon John “Sam” Smith, 89, of Knoxville, departed this life on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie James and Mary Magnolia; his sister, Martha Robinson; and 3 children. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Smith; children: Lena Pearl, Melvin Smith, Johnetta Smith, Dwight Smith, all of Knoxville; two devoted stepdaughters: Laranice Osaro and Kathy Weston; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends too many to mention. Special Thanks to the Doctors and Staff on the 3^rd Floor at Fort Sanders Medical Center. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mount Moriah FBH Church, 2001 Western Avenue, with the Homegoing Service to follow, with Elder Franklin Brown officiating and Bishop Alonzo L. Rodgers as eulogist. The final resting place will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, Alcoa, following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.