John Edward Smithwick, 79, of Newport News, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the Riverside Regional Medical Center.  He was a lifelong resident of Newport News and was the son of the late Cola and Cassie Smithwick.  He retired from SUPSHIP Newport News after forty years of service.  John was a positive influence to all who knew him and touched the lives of his family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Wright (Joe) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three grandchildren, Grayson, James, and Abigail; three sisters, Janice Smithwick, Marie St Clair (Robert), and Mary Messick (MC); two  nieces and one nephew, Cassandra (CJ) Bland, Beau St Clair (Megan), and Leora Brown (Lucas); and many great nephews.  He is predeceased by a son, Edward Ray Smithwick.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to the  Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P. O. Box 89367, Tampa , Florida  33689 or to the Ministry at Mount Olive Church of Christ, 39353 US 264, Belhaven, North Carolina  27810.  

Mr. Smithwick and his family are in the care of Cremation Society of Virginia and Mount Olive Church of Christ, Ponzer, North Carolina.