Johnny L. Smith was born in Mullins, SC on July 16, 1939 to the late Walter Gerald and Daisy Bell Norton. His mother passed when he was just a toddler and was raised by his grandmother Corrine and her husband Tom Smith. Upon graduating high school he soon moved to New York City, Queens, NY to be specific, that's where met the love of his life Fannie Ford. She came to New York as a young woman seeking life in the big city. He found out her hometown wasn't far from hid (Dillon, SC). They would court and marry in April of 1963. After a series of renting rooms and apartments they purchased a home in Ozone Park Queens. He became a school bus driver in the early seventy' and worked many years until his retirement in 2009. Johnny and Fannie raised three children in their Queens Home. Johnny was a lover of sports especially football. He was heavy into politics and the plight of the black man. He never bit his tongue about the difference between hard working black folk and…. let's just say black folk he felt weren't willing to work hard and strive for greatness. Johnny was a lover of gardening with his wife, music. He loved Gospel Keynote to Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown and Prince. And like many, he enjoyed a nice piece of fried fish. Johnny was preceded in death by two siblings; James Gerald and Esther Lewis. He leaves to cherish is memories, three children; Joseph, Selina, and Renee; six grandchildren,; Isaiah, Devon, Joseph, Jr., Jodasha, Quinton, and Simone; five siblings; Gloria, Dan, Thurman, Eddie and brother Money, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you to share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Mr. Johnny Lee Smith for future generations to come