Bishop John Washington Smith, Jr. affectionately known as “Bobby” was born in the City of Lake Alfred, Florida to the late John Washington Smith, Sr. and Margie Walker Ross on January 5, 1938. He transcended this life to be with his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at his residence.

Bishop Smith attended Rochelle Elementary through High School wherein he played basketball during his high school years graduating in the Class of 1956. He furthered his education by attending Saint Leo College. Bishop Smith joined the United States Army, became a Law Enforcement Officer with the Lakeland Police Department (Sergeant) and retired after 20 years.

After retirement in Law Enforcement, he went to work for Joe G. Tedder Tax Collector of Polk County, Florida where he became a Field Supervisor and retired after 10 years of service.

While a faithful member of St. Luke Freewill Baptist Church, Lakeland, Florida. Bishop Smith received his call to preach. He pastored the Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Florida for 19 years. He also pastored the St. James Freewill Baptist Church, Winter Haven, Florida for 1 year and served all three years as Bishop of the South Florida Annual Conference. He then planted and pastored the Trinity Spiritual Freewill Baptist Church of Winter Haven for 9 years. In 2017, he became a member of Pilgrim Rest Freewill Baptist Church, Lakeland, Florida serving where needed until his demise.

Bishop John Smith was a man of faith possessing all the “Fruit of the Spirit”, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. He loved people, his family and the Church of the Living God.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Christopher John Smith (Tami), Craig Jarvis Smith and Chad Griffin; step-children: Sandra Worlds, Karen Johnson, Maurice Johnson (Ruby), Mark Johnson; sister, Clara Smith; brothers, Al Smith, Phillip Walker (Cappie); sisters-in-law: Josephine Smith, Sarah Miller, nieces and nephews and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as other family members and friends who celebrate his life.