John Smithson, Jr.

Born in Pulaski, Tennessee on February 27, 1941

Departed on January 28, 2021 and resided in Brentwood, Tennessee

John was raised in Pulaski, TN. After his college years he moved to Huntsville, AL where he met his bride while working for Boeing to build the Saturn 5. He married Regina and they transitioned to the Financial Services business. They had three children who they raised in Huntsville, AL. As they built their business, they chose to move to Brentwood, TN in 1982 where they would set roots and become beloved members of their community.
John, as the patriarch of the family, become known as Papaw. The three children and their families comprised of 11 total grandchildren and 1 perfect great grandson will all forever remember him as a simple man, a man of few words, but the way he lived his life spoke volumes of wisdom.

John Laird Smithson, Jr. of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away at his residence on Thursday, January 28, 2021; he was 79 years old.

John was born February 27, 1941, in Pulaski, Tennessee, to parents John Laird Smithson, Sr and Zada Victoria Pollock Smithson. After his college years he moved to Huntsville, AL where he met his bride while working for Boeing to build the Saturn 5.

He married Regina and they transitioned to the Financial Services business. They had three children who they raised in Huntsville, AL. As they built their business, they chose to move to Brentwood, TN in 1982 where they would set roots and become beloved members of their community.

Survivors include his wife Regina Ratcliff Smithson; daughter, Kimberly Smithson Gawrys; son, John Laird Smithson III; daughter, Cynthia Smithson Shelden; and brother, William Luther Smithson (Jettie Blue Smithson).

John, as the patriarch of the family, become known as Papaw. The three children and their families comprised of 11 total grandchildren and 1 perfect great grandson will all forever remember him as a simple man, a man of few words, but the way he lived his life spoke volumes of wisdom.

Services for Mr. Smithson are private.