By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
4 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, August 9, 2022

    4:00PM to 8:00PM and

    Wednesday, August 10, 2022

    9:00AM to 10:00AM

    Wayne City First Christian Church

  • Service

    Wednesday, August 10, 2022

    10:00AM

    Wayne City First Christian Church

    Burial in Johnsonville Cemetery

  • Full Obituary

    Earl Smith Jr., of Johnsonville, IL. passed away Saturday, August 6, 2022, surrounded by three sons a brother and sister-in-law.  He passed away in his sleep following a long history of health issues, he was 62 years old.

    Earl Jr. was born on September 15, 1959, to Earl and Dorothy (Henson) Smith near Johnsonville IL.  Earl Jr. grew up all his life in the western Wayne County areas of Johnsonville, Cisne and Orchardville.

    Earl Jr. grew up on the family farm and graduated from Cisne High School with the class of 1977.  He went on to work for his brother at George Smith Ag Service and later became manager for over twenty years.  He went on to be the manger for Crop Production Services for five years.  Health issues slowed Earl Jr. down, but he still loved farming with three of his sons and a brother up until his death.

    Earl Jr. was very active in the community serving many years on the North Wayne School Board, Wayne County Board and served as a Republican Precinct Committeeman for many years in Hickory Hill Township.  He loved his Golden Retriever dog named Molly.  He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sports activities.  Most importantly he loved his family and grandchildren

    Earl is survived by four sons Sonny (wife Tonya) Smith of Johnsonville IL, Justin (wife Kristel) Smith of Xenia, IL, Lucas (friend Mariah) Smith of Cisne, IL, Timothy Smith of  Keenes, IL; his ex-wife Dawn Smith; eight grandchildren Kaleb, Avery, Kadence, Ashtyn, Brayden, Levi, Sawyer and Remi; one sister Cathy Smith of Fairfield, IL, five brothers Kelly Smith of Fairfield, IL, George (Doris) Smith of Keenes, IL, Billy (Barb) Smith of Manassas, VA, Johnnie Smith and Carroll Smith both of  Fairfield, IL, also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

    Preceding him in death were his parents, a son Derek, two sisters Violet and Martha Ann, one brother Larry Smith.

    Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Wayne City First Christian Church.

    Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Wayne City First Christian Church. Visitation will be held the day of the service from 9:00 to 10:00AM at the church.

    Burial will follow at Johnsonville Cemetery.

    Memorials may be given to Johnsonville Rurtain Club and will be accepted at the church or may be mailed or dropped off at the funeral home.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

4 Condolences
 
  1. Peggy & Steve Deitz / August 8, 2022 at 6:39 pm

    So sorry for your loss.

  2. Jim and Jan Keck / August 9, 2022 at 11:28 am

    We only knew Jr. for 4 yrs but during that short time, we could tell he was a family man.
    Jim remembers going to the machinery auctions in FL and both of us remember the Arcadia Rodeo and of course, the Fly-Wheelers Shows.
    We know that George especially will miss his brother who was just like a son to him.
    Our deepest and sincere sympathies are with all his family members.

  3. Bill Kissner / August 9, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    We. Had the privilege of knowing Jr many years through his work with George Smith AgService. He was a very accommodating and kind man. I was proud to call him friend. Rest in pease my friend.

  4. Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton / August 9, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    To the Smith Family: So sorry to hear that your Loved One Earl Jr has passed away. I know that all of you will miss him dearly but remember all the good times you had with him over the years as the memories are so precious. May God bless all of you at this time. Prayers for all of the family. We know that Earl Jr has been called home to be with his Heavenly Father and others that have gone on before him what a welcoming that must have been. I am Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton and I knew a lot of the Smith family when I lived back in Illinois but didn’t get to meet Earl Jr because he was born the year we left for Nevada. Earl Jr was born on my Dad birthday. Take good care of each other. With my deepest Sympathy and Love, Marilyn

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