John W. Smith

John Wesley Smith, 80, of Abbeville, SC, husband of Daisy Gary Smith, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, SC. He was born in Whitmire, SC to the late Edgar Woodrow Smith and Genniel Thomas Smith.

John earned an associate’s degree from Piedmont Technical College in graphic design and in management. He was a proud veteran who served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, John began his career as a police officer with the Abbeville City Police Department, retiring after 31 dedicated years. His commitment to duty and the well-being of his community was unwavering and he touched many lives throughout his career. John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He lived a life marked by dedication, service and a deep affection for his family. John was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister and a grandson, Stephen Land.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Daisy, of the home; two sons, Marty T. Smith (Angelita) of Charleston, SC and Christopher L. Smith (Kelly McDonald) of Greenwood, SC; two daughters, Maria Smith (Randy Melton) and Cindy S. Hill (Ken) all of Abbeville, SC; a brother, Travis W. Smith of Duck Hill, Mississippi; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM to 2:00PM, Friday, May 9, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin on Friday at 2:30PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. James Long officiating. Burial will follow in Melrose Cemetery with military honors.

The family is at the home of Michael and Shannon Draper, 19 Hagen Dr., Abbeville, SC.

Memorial contributions, in memory of John, may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Children’s Hospital Greenville, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Smith family.