Johnny Michael Smith, 77, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at approximately 7 p.m. after, by the grace of God, a short battle with cancer. His family and friends gathered around him for his last days and his firm belief in Jesus Christ comforted him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Johnny was born to the late Clytus and Mozelle Smith in Bronte, Texas, on February 11, 1938. In 1952, at the age of 14, he became immersed in ministry, and dedicated his life to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
He became a pastor at the age of 17 and would go on to faithfully serve the body of Christ utilizing the gifts of ministry with which God had graced him. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in Bible in 1960 and went on to attain a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1964.
Johnny and his wife, Anna, founded together the Trinity Full Gospel Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, and Calvary Chapel in Nederland, Colorado in the late 70s, along with Johnny Smith Ministries – an RV/campground ministry. Johnny also served as pastor for Central Christian Church in Sabinal for the past 11 years.
Johnny was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend and greatest supporter, Cleo Anna Houghton, on July 21, 1973. Johnny is survived by his wife, Anna; three sons, David Smith, Doug Smith, and Randy Smith; four step-children, Pat Houghton, Marcia Hoedebeck, Rod Houghton, and Scott Houghton, and their spouses; 19 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Linda Sandlin; and one stepson, Mike Houghton.
A Celebration of Johnny Smith’s life was held at Calvary Chapel on July 18th.
