Johnny Dan "JohnnyDan"  Smith, Jr., 84, of Palatka, transitioned from his earthly home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Putnam Community Medical Center, Palatka. The son of Johnny D. Smith, Sr. and Ruth Hampton Smith, he was born on Friday, September 25, 1936 in Hollister. He was a 1956 graduate of Central Academy High School. Johnny was united in holy matrimony to his sweetheart, the former Dothea Elizabeth Hardy on April 24, 1965.

He was a retired millwright from Georgia Pacific Maintenance Department following 33 years of employment. Johnny served in the United States Army, Florida National Guard and the Army Reserve and earned an honorable discharge.  He was a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church for over 50 years, and formerly served faithfully on the usher ministry, food service ministry, trustee ministry and men's ministry until his health declined. He was also a certified volunteer firefighter. Johnny was a Charmer in the St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler Charmettes, Inc. and formerly served in the Masonic lodge.  His hobbies included talking with friends, and watching football, westerns and wrestling on television.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his wife of 48 years, Dothea H. Smith (November 23, 2013); son, Marco L. Smith, Sr.; sister, Maggie Ruth Davis; parents-in-law, Lillian Lockhart Hardy Brown, Charles Hardy, and Willie Mae Wiggs; brother-in-law, Charles Green, and a host of aunts and uncles.

He leaves to cherish his life and legacy: devoted daughter, Angelita (Reno) Fells; sister, Sally Green; "raised as siblings" Gwendolyn (John) Alexander and Janet Ross; adopted brother, Clarence (Barbara) Hughes; sister-in-law, Kip (David) Calhoun; devoted cousins, Brenda and Bill Hutcherson; grandchildren , Marco Smith, II, Macari Smith, Remahn Fells, Justin Fells, Reno (Nakia) Fells, Jr., Josh (Markeila) Miller, Reniqua Fells, Re'Nada Fells, Like a grandson:  Peyton Hunter; great-grandchildren, Derek, Marco, III, Demarion, MaKaila, Javier, Reno, III, Reanna, Brayonna, Bailey, Josh, Jr., Omar; and host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family especially the Hughes and Fells families, other caring relatives, and friends.

(Mandatory CDC guidelines for social distancing and masks required): Visitation of family and friends will be 4-6 p.m., Monday, September 20 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Celebration of Life will be held graveside at 9 a.m., Tuesday, September 21 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville with military honors. His pastor, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, is the eulogist. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler County Chapter of Charmettes, Inc. c/o Dothea H. Smith Annual Cancer Project, P.O. Box 6, East Palatka, Florida 32131.