Ad Astra: , 2006

JOHN H. SMITH, Jr. MERRITT ISLAND John H. Smith, Jr., 71, passed away Wednesday November 29, 2006, at his residence. John was born in Gaffney, SC. He came to Brevard County in 1961. He began his career with the Space Program in 1958 which included the Gemini, Mercury, Apollo and Shuttle programs. He retired from the Space Industry in 2001, as a mechanical engineer. He was a very talented man with hobbies that included stock car racing at Eau Gallie Speedway and other local area tracks. He also enjoyed building his own houses, helping others with their houses, tractoring, and tinkering and building with anything constructive, electrical or mechanical. He was a warm hearted, good natured man who touched many, many lives, and was considered a friend to all. He was also a father figure to many, including his granddaughter and great-grand- children. His good humor, even disposition and smile will be greatly missed. Heaven has truly acquired a shining angel. John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley D. Smith of Merritt Island; his father, John H. Smith, Sr. of Talla hassee; three sons, Edward Cecil Smith of Merritt Island, John Wade Smith of Canaveral Groves and Jeffery Scott (Kim Pundai) Smith of Canaveral Groves; one daughter, Sylvia Ann (Peter Collett) Smith of Cocoa Beach; one granddaughter, Terah Nicole Smith; two great-grandchildren, Alistair James Joyce and Emily Nicole Joyce; two broth ers, Howard Cecil (Sadie E.) Smith and Wayne (Sharon) Vaughn; two sisters, Betty Lula (James) Evans and Patty (Shaun) Ramsey; several nieces and nephews; and many great friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lula Thelma Smith and step-mother, Shirley Smith. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 6th, in the funeral home chapel. Memorial donations in his name may be made to a charity of choice. Brevard Memorial Funeral Home in Cocoa is entrusted with final arrangements.