John Smith, Jr., 76, a resident of Mount Vernon, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

He was born on August 15, 1935 in Corryton, Tennessee, the son of John and Cecelia (Collins) Smith.

John really enjoyed his work in the logging and lumber Industry, driving a self-loading log truck.  He was employed by McGillis & Gibbs, Poeschel & Schultz and retired from Bell Pole Company in 2000.  He also enjoyed gardening at his home at Big Lake and Summer place in Carlton, Washington.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy and husband, Tony Davis, Mae and husband, Bob Jurgena, and son, Joe Smith, and their mother Zora, all of Mount Vernon, and a daughter, Shawna; four grandchildren, Amy, Jon, Kari and Wendy; three great grandchildren, Sydnee, Kassidy and Olivia; and cousin, James “Uncle Junior” Collins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William and grandson, Matthew.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, followed by a Graveside Committal at Union Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel on Wednesday, from 9:00 to 5:00, and Thursday, from 9:00 until the service.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Big Lake Fire Department.