John Smith

John Burns SmithServices SaturdayKerrville After a long valiant battle with cancer, John Burns Smith passed away on Monday, January 28, 2008. Known as Burns to family and friends alike, he was born on October 12, 1928 in Tucumcari, NM, to John Burns Smith Sr. and Ruby Killingsworth Smith. Burns spent much of his childhood in Stephenville, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He then earned a degree from Southern Methodist University in business and law.For Burns, 1951 was a busy year. He entered the United States Army early in the year and then married Nancy Elizabeth Miller of Longview, TX on July 6, 1951, in East Texas. They began their married life in Anchorage, Alaska, where Burns had been posted. After being discharged from the service, Burns entered the insurance industry and enjoyed a very successful career, first with Travelers Insurance and later with McDermott International, Inc. in New Orleans, LA. When he retired in 1994, Burns with Elizabeth moved to Kerrville, TX, where he was very active in his church teaching Sunday School and participating in weekly Bible study classes. He was also a lay chaplain at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital, and a Stephen Minister in the Stephen Ministry.Burns enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, exercising and flying. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth two daughters, Diane Smith Zimmerman and husband Arthur B. and Pamela Smith Cook and husband William Michael one son, J. Burns Smith, Jr. sister, Ruby Jo Kohlman and husband Earl R. of Kerrville, TX. Burns is also survived by and was the proudest grandfather of the 11 grandchildren with whom he was blessed. Burns was beloved as the wit, the tease, and the joy of his family. He will be greatly missed.A Memorial Service will be held at Kerrville United Methodist Church in Kerrville, TX at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 2, 2008 with Rev. Dr. Warren Hornung officiating. A short reception will follow at the church.In lieu of floral arrangements, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Burns to a charity of the donors choice or to Kerrville United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028.

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