Obituary

Johnny Ray Smith was born on September 27, 1952, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Margaret Ann Smith and Webb Smith. Johnny was also blessed with a close relationship with his biological father, Adell Jackson, a bond that enriched his life and added to the fullness of who he was. He took his rest on March 25, 2026, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy written in the quiet and dignified way he lived his life.

In the late 1950s, the family made their way north to Tulsa. During his high school years, he began working as a chef at the Tulsa Country Club, where he discovered a love of cooking that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Growing up, Johnny carried himself exceptionally well. He graduated from Central High School in 1970, where he was known to his classmates as Promy — a young man who was as popular as he was sharp. He had an eye for style that set him apart early in life. While in high school, he worked at Globe Clothiers, a fashion retail store where he honed his sense of style and class. He was the best dressed at school and showed up pressed and polished with Stacey Adams shoes on his feet, and the confidence to match.

Throughout his life, he remained devoted to his appearance out of respect for himself and for the people around him. Johnny liked the finer things in life and lived well. He took pride in how he presented himself, always carrying himself with dignity.

Johnny was a man who appreciated skilled work. After completing carpentry school and a formal apprenticeship, he honed a craft that became a source of deep pride for him. He could build or fix nearly anything and became well-known for his carpentry skills.He paid attention to every detail and took great satisfaction in his work.

His carpentry led him to one of the most significant chapters of his professional life. Johnny joined American Airlines as a carpenter, where he built large shipping crates for airplane parts. His job demanded exactness and skill. He gave American Airlines over 20 years of dedicated service.

Throughout his carpentry career and after retirement, the kitchen stayed close to his heart. He enjoyed cooking, especially crab legs and fried catfish, which were his favorites. Cooking was an act of love that he gave to his family and close friends.

Johnny was a man of few words and appreciated moments of quiet. But when he was in good company, he was funny and light-hearted. He could crack a joke with perfect timing and make the whole room filled with laughter.

He was a loyal and trusted friend. Many of his friendships lasted for decades, shaped by his steady presence and reliability. He will be missed by those who knew him well.

Above all else, Johnny loved his children. He was a devoted father who cared deeply. He showed his love through his actions, by working hard, staying present, and supporting them throughout their lives.

Johnny Smith is survived by: His father, Adell Jackson; His children, Shawn Anderson, Margaret Smith, and Brittney Jean-Louis; His grandchildren, Laziyah Scott, Da’Misha Scott, Dakarai Anderson, Kha’leed Anderson, Ra’Shawn Anderson, Ava Jean-Louis, Bella Jean-Louis, Andrew Jean-Louis Jr., Laila Sodeinde, and Amira Sodeinde; His great-grandchildren, A’Leyah Cook, Rhya Guerrero, Zhuri Guerrero, Jayda Yarbrough, Jude Yarbrough, Drew Yarbrough, Jayce Yarbrough, Sheylah Chambers, and Bry’Ella Chambers; His siblings, LaTasha Johnson and Dinia Regular; His nieces and nephews, Grayson Johnson, Kevin Regular Jr, and Kinchazsa Johnson; And a wide circle of devoted friends and family whose lives were made richer by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ann Smith, and his father, Webb Smith.

Johnny lived a steady, honest life. He showed his love through how he showed up and how he cared for those around him. His legacy will carry on in the lives he touched. He is loved and will be deeply missed.