Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Smith, Jr., John "Sam/Smitty" Samuel  May 3, 2005
**********************************************************
Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm
**********************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K T bluewolf@onemain.com May 5, 2005, 9:20 pm

The Bakersfield Californian 
John "Sam/Smitty" Samuel Smith, Jr. 
June 14, 1921 - May 3, 2005

John Samuel Smith, Jr., of Bakersfield, passed away at home on May 3, 2005. 
Graveside services will be held at Greenlawn Southwest on Panama Lane, Friday, 
May 6 at 2:30 p.m. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Blanche in 1999. Sam is survived 
by his son Sam and wife Judy of West Hills, CA; daughter Linda Wattenbarger 
and husband Tim of Bakersfield; granddaughter Stacey Norton and husband Kieran 
of San Rafael, CA; grandson Steve Smith and wife Jessica of Valencia, CA; 
grandson Andy Wattenbarger and wife Kristie of OFallon, MO: great-
grandchildren Carson and Allison Smith and Paige Norton; brother Norman and 
wife Rose of Bakersfield; and sisters Gloria Gould and husband Carter and 
Joyce Kirby. Sam is also survived by nieces, nephews and many friends. He was 
truly devoted to his family and friends there was nothing he wouldnt do for 
them.

Sam, or Smitty was born in El Centro, CA in 1921 and moved to Bakersfield in 
1940. He was a butcher for 38 years, and then began a second career as a real 
estate agent for 20 years. A veteran of World War II, he served as a ship 
fitter in the U.S. Navy and was named lightweight boxing champion of the 
Pacific.

An accomplished violist, Sam played with various local bands at senior citizen 
centers for several years. In 2000, he was named Fiddle Player of the Year by 
the Bakersfield Chapter of the Golden State Country Music Organization. He 
loved to play his violin. His grandchildren will miss their OMercy! grandpa. 
His great-grandchildren will miss their Violin Papa. Many others will miss his 
kind and generous soul.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Optimal Hospice 
Foundation, the Kern County Lung Association, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation at Greenlawn Southwest on May 5 from noon until 7 p.m. 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/smithjr7603gob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/

File size: 2.6 Kb