Johnie Curtis Smith, Jr., 73, of Columbus, MS passed away Saturday, August 05, 2017 at Baptist Memorial Hospital- GT in Columbus, MS.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 10, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Melvin Mordecai officiating. A graveside service with military honors will be in Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Mr. Smith was born July 14, 1944 in Mobile, Alabama to the late Johnie Curtis and Anna Pearl Sumerlin Smith. He married the former Sheryl "Sue" Koski on October 7, 1967 at Eglin AFB, Florida. Mr. Smith served in the United States Air Force for 27 years and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his military career, he received many decorations and medals for his service with his primary specialty being in Aerospace Physiology Support. After retirement in 1991, Mr. Smith has resided in Columbus, MS and enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and spending time with his dogs Hope and Micky. He loved his children and grandchildren and most of all the love of his life Sue. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his brother Wendell Dunning.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 49 years- Sheryl "Sue" Koski Smith of Columbus, MS, daughters- Niki Stiers of California, Shannon Goodwin of Steens, MS; grandchildren- Joshua Stiers, Kristopher Stiers, and Jessica Goodwin.

Pallbearers will be the Military Honor Guard Team. Honorary pallbearer will be Bro. Melvin Mordecai, Richard Koski, and Tim Hutchinson.