Mr. John L. Smith, Galesburg Chapel
45, of 1142 N. Broad St., Galesburg, IL died at 4:04 PM Friday December 26, 2008 at Illini Hospital in Silvis, IL.
He was born April 5, 1963 in Galesburg, the son of James F. and Susan G. New Smith. He married Susan L. Lane and later married Lorry M. Foltz Zeilman in Clinton, IA on April 27, 2004.
He is survived by his wife Lorry, parents, James and Susan Smith of Galesburg, five sons, Ian Louis Smith, Matthew Ryan Smith, Daniel Lane Smith, and Tyler James Smith, all of Victoria, IL, and Shane Foltz of Clinton, IA, two daughters, Chevie (and Chris) White of Camanche, IA and Britney Foltz of Clinton, IA, eight brothers, Pete (and Doris) Smith of Bishop Hill, IL, James (and Arlene) Smith of Murphysboro, TN, Jack Smith of Eugene, OR, Jerry Smith, Thomas (and Judi) Smith of Galesburg, Ricky Smith of Enid, OK, Randy (and Tina) Smith of Williamsfield, IL, and Robert (and Nikki) Smith of Galesburg, five sisters, Susie (and John) McGraw, Rosie Raska, Becky (and Dave) McGraw, and Joanne Cox, all of Galesburg, and Julie (and Bill) McGraw of Sheridan, IL, seven grandchildren, Anthony Parker, Jaxon White, Teighgan White, Jaleigh Foltz, Pierson White, Talyn Bartels, and Easton Steffes, and forty eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Edward Donald Smith.
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1981. He worked for Walmart for 13 years and was manager, recently opening the new Walmart in Silvis, IL. He was an excellent son, husband, dad, and grandpa. He enjoyed sports following the Chicago Cubs and Bears and was a coach for the Victoria Little League.
Funeral service will be 1:30 PM Tuesday December 30, 2008 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Marty Briney officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 3-7 PM at the chapel. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund at a later date.
My day didn’t start with the usual Good Morning John.My heart aches. Just yesterday you were talking to me.You had that twinkle in your eye like you always do. I know your going to be so missed. You could hear a pin drop in the backroom today. It was sad. Very much so. You’ll be so missed at Your Walmart
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Your family is on our minds in our prayers during this time of loss. John’s smile and humor is etched in our memories of him. He was a great guy and super dad. We pray that you will sense a peace and comfort that only God can grant during this time.
Lorry, I am so sorry about John. God Bless you and keep you and your family in your time of loss.
John was a good friend and a great co-worker. We will miss him. Our prayers are with the family through their time of loss.
lorry your in my thoughts and prayers,im so sorry for your loss .your friend brian west(florida guy)
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. He will be missed so very much by so very many people.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. John was a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed by all of us that knew him. He never knew a stranger and was always very friendly. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Take care during these very trying times.
As a fellow GHS Class of 1981 good friend of John, I was so saddened to hear of his passing. John was a die-hard Cubs fan and I am a die-hard Cardinals fan, and we always shared a friendly rivalry for our love of baseball. I’ll always remember John being so friendly, with a great smile. My thoughts are with John’s family.
I never got the chance to work with John, but I knew him from the years I spent in the Galesburg store as he made frequent trips there. My deepest condolences to the family; you and John will be in my thoughts.
Tyler and Daniel
I was really sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a great coach when I played A & R baseball. He always had something good to say to me to make me feel better. He even gave me the game ball when we played Victoria even though we lost by 1. I will miss his great coaching and words of encouragement.
Lorry and family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time..
I was heartbroken to hear the news yesterday that John passed away. He had called the Aledo store Tues night before closing and I got to speak to him.
It was so wonderful to talk and kid around with him that evening. I miss him lots. He was without a doubt the BEST store manager I’ve had the honor of working for. There will never be another like John.
Once again my thoughts and prayers go out to all of John’s family.
John, tell Mr. Sam and Elvis “Hello” from Mary…
I send to all the family my deepest sympathy. I worked with John and I loved his sense of humor and that twinkle in his eye. Bless all of you at this time.
Hey Smith family! I was so sad when i heard about this tragic time! I am really sorry!
You boys no that i am always just down the street from u and ur my best friends and i love u guys because ur like brothers to me! I hope that u guys get through it together! i will help you! I will pray for your family every night!
John was a wonderful person and manager. We had some things in common; our large families and our love of chocolate come to mind. Recently, we joked around about how we had both slipped on the ice. I know I speak for all the team at the Silvis store; he was one of a kind and one of the best. We will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
There are some people who stay with your hearts forever, and Johnny is one of them. He was my brother Ty’s best friend. He had that special smile that gleamed when he would look at you, and you knew he really cared. I will deeply miss Johnny. My family sends their prayers.
To “The John Smith” family,
I had the pleasure to have worked with John (in Aledo), but even more I had the pleasure of him passing thru my life, with his sense of humor and the proud ness he had for his family.
He will be greatly missed by many and forgotten by none.
Prayers and thoughts are with all his family in this most difficult time.
Tyler, Daniel and Smith family, Our thoughts and prayers go out too you. We were lucky enough to have John in our lives. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was the best coach in the world. He didn’t only play to win he played to have fun. We will miss him dearly
We are thinking of you and your family at this time. John was a great person and wonderful coach. If you need anything we are always here! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Dearest Lorry and family,
My heart breaks for you and your family. What a tragedy to have lost your loved one so unexpectedly. God bless and comfort you especially during the next few days. May you feel his presence and love all around you. I pray that with each passing day it will get better for your aching hearts. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Im so sorry to hear of Johns passing, He was a great manager. Always walking around with a smile on his face, and if not you knew something was wrong in your dept.
Your in our thoughts and Prayers in your time of need.
God Bless!!!!
Walmart will not be the same without you John. Your warm friendly smile will be missed.
To the family I am truly sorry for your loss. There are no words to take away your pain, but know that together you as a family will help each other heal. You will have the memories of him with you forever and even though he was taken from you way to soon the memories are something no one can take away. It was a joy to work with John he will be missed.
I LOST A VERY CLOSE FRIEND,ROOM MATE,CO-WORKER, AND MOST OF ALL BROTHER, JOHN WAS ALL OF THESE TO ME THRU-OUT THE YEARS,
I AM SADDENED SO MUCH THAT MY HEART ACHES. WE WERE LESS THEN TWO YEARS APART AND GROWING UP I LOOKED UP TO HIM, HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP. A GREAT SMILE THAT HAS NEVER CHANGED FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. WE WERE ALSO TEAMATES WE LOVED PLAYING BASEBALL, AND AS WE GOT OLDER TOGETHER SOFTBALL. ONE YEAR WE WERE BOTH ON CRUTCHES AT THE SAME TIME DUE TO FIELD INJURIES. JOHN WAS ONE OF THE BEST, I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE HIM AS A BIG BROTHER MAKING LIFE A BETTER PLACE,
AS I KNOW HE DID FOR ALOT OF PEOPLE. GOD BLESSED EVERONE THAT KNEW MY BROTHER. JOHN HE WILL BE MISSED HIS SMILE HIS FIENDSHIP AND HIS AWSOME PERSONALITY CAN NOT BE REPLACED BUT WE CAN GO ON KNOWING HE IS IN A GOOD PLACE WITH GOD. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL THE LOVE AND SUPPORT, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
TO LORRY: YOU MADE MY BROTHER AS HAPPY AS I HAVE EVER SEEN HIM, I LOVE AND THANK YOU FOR THAT.
THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH WORDS TO TELL ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS JOHN BROUGHT TO MY LIFE. I WILL KEEP HIM CLOSE IN PRAYER AND MY HEART FOR EVERMORE.
JOHN I WILL MISS YOU ALLWAYS.
John was an awesome manager and great person to know. It was a blessing to have him as the store manager at the Silvis store. Every time I seen him he would say “Hello, Tonya” with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was some I knew I could talk to without questioning it. He was the best. My prayers go out to your family.
I don’t have the words to express my sympathies to John’s family. He was a great guy and a good friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He will be remembered by all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Went to school with Smitty since the 4th grade. He was a good guy and a friend to everyone. He will be missed.
Lorry & kids~
I am so sorry to hear about your husband/dad passing.
I didn’t know John but heard how he was the love of your life and how happy you were. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Dorrie & Scott Manon and boys
Don’t know really what to say, just that when i was going through a rough time, it was Johnny that gave me a hug and a warm smile and kind words. Didn’t see him that often, but i will never forget the way he made me feel at that time. Can’t even begin to imagine what the ones close to him are going thru, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I do know he will NEVER be forgotten.
You Never Said Goodbye
You never said I’m leaving
You never said goodbye
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knew why
A million times I needed you,
A million times I cried
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died
In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place,
That no one could ever fill
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home
We did not know John personally but heard nothing but wonderful things about him. He obviously was a big part of a very large loving family and brought much joy to their lives. We do know a large part of the family he grew yo wutg and he seems to have reflected love of life, caring, sharing and energy that seemed to be the traits of his family members. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
It has been years since I talked to John – we worked together at the West Burlington Wal*Mart (Store #797). We had such a blast together – the man was hilarious. Always a smile on his face – never knew a stranger and no one EVER talked bad about him. He was well respected. When he wanted to hide out, he would come into the Accounting Office and hang out. One time – back when we had a jukebox in the old Radio Grill – we cranked up a song – but for the life of me – I cannot remember what it is -altho, I somehow think it went like this…..”BIg John Stud…or something” – anyways, we cranked it up – we either played it over the speaker system for everyone to hear or the walkie talkies.
When I left Wal*Mart – John and I would talk or email occasionally. But as my Wal*Mart life faded away – John and I’s friendship slowly faded away as well. Although – just like anything – I would remember John and some story about him – like when he would hang out in the Accounting Office – he would bring in some yummy treats. How much fun we had – the innocent act he portrayed – he was so much fun.
Although I don’t know any of John’s family – I know that man loved his boys. He spoke of them ALL THE TIME – so I can only imagine how much better his life got when he married Lorry. I remember him telling me about his upcoming wedding – I simply asked this- are you happy? And he was ecstatic – so I am so glad that his life was blessed in more ways than possible.
My thoughts are with John Smith’s family during this time. God has blessed you with John’s presence for more than 45 years – and it was simply too early for him to go.
uncle johnny was a truly wonderful person.everytime i think of johnny being gone my heart aches.the sorrow i feel for my grandma and grandpa and the rest of our family cannot be measured,all we can do is remember johnny how he would want us to. he always had a great smile that was always making others smile.his laugh was one of a kind. he will be missed terribly everyday by those who had johnny touch their lives. johnny will always be in my heart.he truly was one of the great ones.ill miss you johnny,everyday.
I will have the memories of my Uncle Johnny in my heart forever. Words cant tell what a great person he was. So much fun and full of life. My Earliest memories from life are me and my Uncle Johnny at the house on Broad Street when we all lived together all 7 of us! He was my best friend back in thoes days and the one who taught me right to LOVE the Chicago Cubs. I Will Miss Him So Much!!!
I Love You Uncle Johnny!
Love Always
Lindsay
To the entire Smith Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Johnny’s sudden passing. Our hearts are breaking for all of you. Please know that we are keeping you all in our prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
I can’t say that I ever met a person in our business who truly cared more about his associates, his co-workers or his customers. As a vendor, I will miss his positive demeanor and his “whatever it takes” attitude. They don’t come any better. We’ll all miss you, John.
The Smith family was my family for many years and I have know Johnny since he was a curly haired school kid. He always loved sports and loved his family. Even back then he had that twinkle in his eye and such a wonderful smile. My heart aches for all of you who are grieving now. He was a wonderful person and he will missed very, very much. I am so very sorry for this great loss.
It was so much fun working with John. I met him when the WalMart Store #3460 opened. He was a great manager and put up with nothing, you worked or he would let you know it and we all respected him! You will be missed John and my sympathy goes out to your wife and children who you talked about all the time with much love. My prayers are with all your family, rest easy John.
growing up i remember my dad tys friendship with johnny and i used to think wow thats what friendship is all about i havent seen johnny in years but from what i hear his lovely smile and his loyalty to his family and friends have never changed i send my deepest sympathy to all his family and friends he will deeply be missed
DEAR LORRY, WE ARE SO SORRY THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE SUFFERING THE LOSS OF HUSBAND AND FATHER AND SON.
OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU AND KNOW THAT PRAYERS ARE BEING SAID.
WE SO WISHED WE COULD HAVE MET JOHN BUT WE FEEL HE WILL BE IN OUR PRESENCE WHEN YOU ARE WITH US.
BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Karen and Doug Martinsen
Tyler and Daniel
i am sorry for the loss i feel horrible just to let you know just becuase i dont go to school with you no more i am still your friend and will always be here for you … if you need anything i am here for you !!!!
love you guys
your friend Gabi! (=
To the john smith family- On the behalf of the employees of the silvis,il. wal mart, i would want to extend my deepest sympathy and send our prayers to you during this time of grief. On a personal note,i’d like to say that john was a great manager and it was a pleasure to know him. He’ll be greately missed & will always be in my memory. God bless you all that love him. sincerely,anthony s. lyord.
I grew up around the Smith family. They all treated you like you were one of them. I haven’t seen Johnny in years. I do know he will be sadly missed. The news of his passing was something that has bothered me since I heard of it. Although its hard to accept right now, we all know he is going to a better place. There are to many names to list so I will just say I will remember you all in my prayers. Take care all of you.
Matt and Alix Shunick and family
well John…….you always cared so much…..you always gave so much, and so often……..in the 10 months we worked together we shared some joys, some concerns, some aches, and a whole lot of laughs…….i’ll miss your 5 a.m. hollar “good morning Dana” across the produce dept as you walked in……even more i’ll miss the things i am glad i quite often thanked you for…….your leadership, your integrity, your honesty, your optimism, your hard work, your spirit, your humanity, …..i appreciate the times you shared wise counsel with me…..i appreciate the times you took way more time than you probably had available to listen to my concerns—whether about the store, or something personal of mine…..thank you always for being my friend…….
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I pray God will give you peace and comfort during your grief and the strength to help you through this difficult time.
I am one of the 48 nieces and nephews. I was very shocked and sad to hear about Uncle Johnny’s passing. I wasn’t in touch with him as an adult, but only have fond memories of him from my childhood.
Sending prayers of love and peace to you.
To Sue Smith & Family,
We are praying for John and the rest of the family during these very challenging moments. May John’s soul rest in peace; and may his loved ones find solace in the promise of the our risen Lord.
God bless.
I had not seen or spoke with John in years, but when I did, he would remember me with a friendly smile and hello. I went to grade school with Randy and Bobby, and would often compare our large families. I was very saddened by the news of John’s passing, and my prayers go out the entire Smith family. He was truly one of the Good Ones and will be missed. God Bless you John and your family.
Patrick Godsil & Family
We were absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear of John’s death! Its impossible to put words to…. John was a great coach and a great dad… that was easy to see. I remember when he gave Noah the game ball at an Alpha vs. Victoria game in 2006. Noah still has it, and John’s words of encouragement to Noah about pitching and playing have really stayed with him. Coaches have a great deal of influence, and John was a pleasure to have coaching our boys! Daniel & Tyler… our hearts go out to you! We pray that God’s encouragement, strength and grace will overwhelm you. Keeping playing baseball! It is a gift, and you will now never, ever be alone on that field! We love you…. God bless you.
To The Smith Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can remember John when we all rode the bus to school. He had such a great smile and also a great family. My heart breaks for all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We would just like to say Thank You to all who have either written a note ,stopped by or just had us in their thoughts all is very appreciated, Johnny was an awesome brother & although he is gone he will never be forgotten, the legacy of smiles he left behind we will always share. Lorry never forget the fun times, your memories will last you a lifetime.
You will be missed everyday.. Thanks for everything.
I got the pleasure of meeting & working with john at the Galesburg (#775) store. there is not enough words to describe how much Johns presence will be missed. He will always be remembered by anyone lucky enough to have met him. My deepest simpathy goes out to his family and remember all the goodtimes.
If there’s car’s in heaven , Johnny is cruising a green pontiac firebird ,nice and slow never too fast.
I spoke with Johnny a few day’s before x-mas he was at walmart shoping,He had some baseball’s in his cart.
We talked for ten minutes. He was beaming ear to ear as always and so proud of his son’s 4.0 grade avg.
Johnny Smith “a good man,good friend and neighbor”
Until we meet again, your friend Kurt [Box]
Susan, Ian, Matthew, Tyler, and Daniel,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers! I am very sorry for you loss. John was a wonderful dad and will be greatly missed. God bless you all!
I am so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. I will always remember his big smile. He was always very funny and truly loved his family. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God sustain you during this time.
Dear Smith Family,
I am very sorry about John’s passing. I can still remember those days of riding the Costa school bus with half of the bus being full with the Smith family. John was a great person and will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Andy Weigand and Family
My Beloved Johnny,
I held that little tiny bundle of joy when you were just 24hrs. old, diapered your cute little butt, made you laugh, dried your tears when mama went off to work, fed you, bathed you and watch you take those cute first steps, which weren’t really steps more like running steps. Watched you grow from the curly little blonde hair baby to the handsome man you became. As with time everyone becomes busy and the I love yous seem farther an farther apart, but I never stopped loving you an ask of you often as I do of each of your brothers and sisters.
My heart is heavy now with the thoughts of never having those big hugs you always gave me or the I love you,Kathleen when we parted. I know in my heart we will meet again an you will still have the big hug an glad to see you. I’m sure your Aunt Winona and Grandpa Davis are having a grand time catching up with you.
God will watch out for you now my almost brother. I will love you always,
Kathleen
I will never forget the day John came up to me and asked if I would accept his offer to be Assistant Manager in his new store. I can still see the look on your face when you would tell people that you had an all female management crew. I’m sure we drove you crazy at times with all of our “female” stories you listened to. You would just smile and shake your head.
I have so many wonderful memories of John. He was more to me than just a boss. He became a very good friend to all of us. I can honestly say that we were like family in our store.
I miss you greatly John. I miss the way you would tease me from time to time. If you weren’t teasing me about my shoe size, you were teasing me about the ring back tones on my cellphone. I feel so blessed to have had you in my life, if only for a short period. I know one day I will meet you again but until then, I will always remember you and how caring and thoughtful you were.
Thank you, my friend, for the memories and all that you have taught me in the last year we had together.
Helen
To the Smith Family,
I was sorry to hear of the loss of John. I hadn’t seen him since he was a little guy when we would all get together for a family get together and play baseball–
Cubs vs Pirates!!! I will keep you all in my prayers!