John D. Smithrick, Jr., was born August 9, 1938 in Plymouth, North Carolina to the late Georgeanna Boyd Hart Smithrick and John Daniel Smithrick Sr. He moved to Maryland as a baby. He received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System. As a young boy he loved horses, wagons and arabing. At the age of 17 he entered the Air Force. John worked for the City's Water Department for a number of years, he was also employed at UMBC were he retired. He leaves to cherish his memories: two sons, Eric Smithrick and Craig Smithrick; one daughter, Trina Hamlett; two sisters, Mary Matilda Smithrick Smith and Gloria Hart Chambers; one daughter-in-law, Teresa Smithrick; one son-in-law, Antwon Hamlett; 10 grand kids, 5 great grand kids; a devoted friend, Priscilla Generette, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.