John Wayne Smith

John Wayne Smith, of Sutherland, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Born in Petersburg, Virginia on October 1, 1951, he was the son of the late John Aurelius and Mary Ann Sheffield Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Donna Skerritt; brother, Morris Hill Smith; and sister, Bonnie Kaye Smith. John Wayne worked for Virginia Linen and Seaboard Coastline before beginning his career with Brenco Bearings, retiring after over 30 years of service. He was a talented artist and published illustrator. Learning woodworking from his father and grandfather, John Wayne could build anything and could often be found in his workshop teaching his children and grandchildren the tricks of the trade. He and Donna spent vacations traveling all over the U.S. with family, and he especially enjoyed their annual trip to Disney World. John Wayne is survived by his children: Ryan (Beth) Smith, Jessica (Travis) Rainey and Justin (Ashley) Smith. His brothers, Kenney (Joan) Smith, Brian Smith; and sisters Janet Douglas, Jill Thomas and Sue Ellen (Al) Marek also survive him. He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Gracie, Lucas, Myles, Nolan, Jacob, Rylan, Jaxon, and Emily, and great-granddaughter, Ava. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19th at the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Blandford Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com