John ( Butch) Franklin Smith Jr passed away peacefully in his home in Lompoc, California, on April 25, 2026, with family by his side.

John was born January 9, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio to John Franklin Smith Sr. and June Cicilia Bagot. He served in the US Navy for 19 years as a Flight Engineer retiring as a Petty Officer 1st Class, After his retirement from the service he spent his time driving fueling trucks across California.

After retirement, his life focus was Peggy, his wife of 41 years, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the silent engine, whether it was a ride to work, a lift from school, or hand delivering exactly what was missing, he devoted his life to ensuring no one was left behind or went without.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and June, his sisters Judie and Jackie

John was survived by his wife Peggy, 9 children John III, Bill, Jimmy, Ian, Dj, Tina, Kirk, Stacy, and Christopher, his grandchildren, Adam, Jill, Nicholas, Morgan, Tenaya, Mackenze, Nathan, Talon, Noah, Ryan, and Riley and his great grandchildren, Dexter, Keirra, Alianne, Ellie, Emmet, Arabelle, Mason, Camilla, Iris, Malia, and Michael.

John will be missed by everyone who knew him. A memorial for John will be held on May 9th at 1209 E Barton Ave, Lompoc, CA, 93436 from 2pm-5pm