John Eldridge Smith

John Eldridge Smith went home to be with the Lord on December 7th, 2022,

at the age of 85 after a dignified battle with cancer.

John was born to Elsie Mae Kerns and Maurice Hanes Smith, Sr. on

November 13th, 1937 in Beckley, West Virginia. He joined the United States Navy

as a young man and served 6 years aboard the USS Albany. After his service, he

began a career at Vecellio & Grogan, Inc. and was employed there for over 40

years. Two years into his career, he married Judy Kay Eastridge and had two

daughters, Stephanie Diane and Shane Renee, whom he loved dearly.

John had many hobbies that kept him busy. He spent many years of his life

riding his Harley-Davidson across the country with friends, seeing major cities and

landmarks. He also enjoyed classic muscle cars, owning many different ones over

his lifetime. In his retired years, he enjoyed playing golf as often as possible, and

spending time with his daughters and three grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Elsie Mae and Maurice Hanes

Smith, Sr., his brother, Maurice Hanes Smith, Jr., his previous wife, Judy Kay

Eastridge-Smith and son-in-law James Christopher Cofer.

He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Diane Cofer of Winston Salem, NC, and Shane Renee

Phillips, partnered to David Ribbe, Jr. of Charlotte, NC, granddaughters Samantha

Diane Phillips of Denver, CO and Jordan Alexis Ashley of Winston Salem, NC,

grandson Joseph “Logan” Phillips of Charlotte, NC, brothers Bill and Jack and

sister Sue.

John’s heavenly transition will leave an emptiness where a dependable father

and grandfather once was. We thank the Lord for the promise of seeing him again

one day.

Services will be 12:30 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022 in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel

with Rev. Doc Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.  Friends may visit

with the family one hour prior to service.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral home.