Hineston – Celebration of Life services honoring John Hampton Smith Jr., 85, will be held on Friday morning, October 2, 2026, at 11 o’clock a.m. at the Chapel at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hineston, LA. Revs. James Earl Vandergriff and Kenneth Shannon Buxton will officiate. John will be laid to rest at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery in Hineston, LA, immediately following the service.

    John’s family will receive friends and visitors at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Thursday evening, October 1, 2026, from 5 to 9 o’clock p.m. Visitation will resume at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8 o’clock a.m. until the time of service. All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Kinder.

    John Hampton Smith Jr. was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He worked hard all his life to provide for his family without complaint, doing every job to the best of his ability. John loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply and was immensely proud of them all. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching boxing, believing whole-heartedly that no one could out-hunt or out-fish him. In his words, "A good teacher never gives away all his skills." He often reminisced about hunting and fishing trips with his family. John also loved to eat—especially fried chicken from Burger Inn whenever he was in Oakdale, LA. He could frequently be found listening to Gospel and Bluegrass music, often making up songs to sing and asking others to write them down so he would be remembered. John fondly spoke of his childhood and the old home place, wishing he could go back in time to see his parents and siblings. He also cherished his beloved dogs, Traveler and Buddy, whom he often fed better than himself.

    John was loved beyond measure and leaves a profound absence in the hearts of his family. He will forever be missed and unconditionally loved by all who knew him.

    Those left to cherish John’s memory include his three sons, Michael Keith Smith of San Antonio, TX, Johnny Wayne Smith and wife Selena of Oakdale, LA, and Charles Edward Smith and wife April of Elizabeth, LA; three daughters, Bridget Smith Johnson and husband Mark of Leesville, LA, Sheila Ann Smith of San Antonio, TX, and LaQuita Renee Smith Martin and husband Daniel of Lowell, IN; two brothers, William Mickey Smith of Boyce, LA, and Robert Smith of Monroe, LA; two sisters, Marie Smith Holston of Dry Prong, LA, and Dorothy Smith Genovese of Slidell, LA; twelve grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

    John is preceded in death by his parents, John Hampton Smith Sr. and Agnes Meylian Smith; his wife, Sarah Ann Hodges Smith; three brothers; and four sisters.

    Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with John’s family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on the Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes Facebook page.