John R. Smith Jr

John Raymond Smith, Jr. 87 of Willington, CT, born to John R. Smith and Gladys (Clark) Smith on June 8, 1925 formerly of Windham CT, left the surly bonds of earth peacefully on December 17th from Windham Hospital. John is survived by beloved wife of 36 years, Jacqueline (Kneeland) Smith, four children and their spouses, Jack Smith and his wife Erin of Willington, Kathy Sinclair and her husband Fred of Windham, CT, Tom Smith and his wife Eileen of Willington and stepson William Bolduc and his wife Terry of Lyn Haven, FL. John was predeceased by a brother, Gail L. Smith, and sisters Hope (Smith) Landry and Joyce (Smith) Sanborn. John left dear grandchildren Monica, Justin, Danielle, Jefferson, Brady, Jake, Jaime, Emily, Fred, Kaleigh, Jennifer, and Jessica. John also left great grandchildren Kendall, McKenna, Jace, Mallory and Carson. In addition, John leaves special "grandchildren" Mike and Alan Kneeland and their parents, Scott and Liz. John also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends though not named were very dear to John's heart. John was a proud Navy veteran serving in the pacific fleet during World War II entering Japan upon their surrender. He was a 64 year Mason belonging to Eastern Star Lodge #44 in N. Windham, CT and a member of the Federated Church of Willington. In addition, he was a past president of the Willimantic Industrial Management Club, past president and former zone chairman of the Willimantic Lions Club, member of the Willimantic American Legion and was a member of the Willington VFW Post 938 and had served as senior vice-commander. John was employed in the fuel oil business in the Willimantic area for 40 years having worked for Valley Oil, Republic Oil and finally with Lehigh Oil based in Norwich, CT. John also worked at Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic for 18 years after his retirement from the oil business. Vacationing in Jerusalem, RI was greatly enjoyed by John through the years. A memorial service will be held to celebrate John's life on Thursday December 27th, at The Hall Memorial Church, 132 River Rd in Willington at 11:00AM. There will be no calling hours and the burial will be at the convenience of the family . Arrangements are being handled by Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Federated Church of Willington, 132 River Rd, Willington, CT 06279. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com . The Family (and we know John would too) would like to thank the staff and acknowledge the great care and attention John received these past few months at Windham Hospital and Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehab. God Bless.