John Wayne Smith, 73, went to be with Jesus Friday, April 28, 2023. Born in Newport News, he was a lifelong Peninsula resident. He served in the US Air Force before going to work at the Newport News Shipyard. An avid music lover, he enjoyed working on cars and was also an animal lover which led him to volunteer his time as a Ranger Assistant at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. He attended Liberty Baptist Church and read his Bible every night.

Preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John Smith and his twin sister, Jane Willett; survivors include his wife of 51 years, Sandy W. Smith; two sons, David Smith (Jill) and Danny Smith (Sharon); a daughter, Haley Willett; his sister, Patsy Light; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends with a reception from 6-8pm Friday at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions

Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 10286 Staples Mill Rd Box 814, Glen Allen, VA 23060.