Marvin N. Smith Jr. , 79, of Yulee, Florida passed away peacefully Thursday evening, July 13, 2023 at the Warner Center with his daughter and granddaughter by his side.
Mr. Smith was born October 19, 1943 in Jacksonville, FL and resided in Yulee for more than 50 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and Gospel music. For the last year Mr. Smith "Pop" was a resident at the Fernandina Beach Rehab Center where he was treated like family and cared for by many wonderful people. He enjoyed his time there and would brighten everyone's day with his humor and joyful disposition. He shared his love for Jesus by singing his favorite hymn "Amazing Grace" all through out the facility.
He was a member of Blackrock Baptist Church and loved his church family very much. Marvin N. Smith Jr., having a distinguished military career of more than 20 years, retired from the U.S. Army/Guard at the rank of Master Sergeant. He originally joined the USAF and served in OSI (office of special investigation) and after two tours of duty in the USAF he joined the Florida Air National Guard (FANG). Eventually transferring to the US Army/Florida National Guard where he worked full time until retirement. Marvin also worked for A.L. Smith Mechanical Contractor, Inc. as the Logistics manager which included procurement of materials and equipment, transportation maintenance and warehouse manager. Mr. Smith was employed by Terminal Paper Bag where he worked beside one of his best friends, Charlie Mott for 10 years.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia Smith; his son, Joey Smith; a sister, Edith McHenry; and his little buddy Shadow.
Survivors include his daughter, Angela Griffin; brother, Alvin Smith (Darlene); sister, Carolyn Rhoden (Randall); sister in law Penny Suggs (Wayne) two grandchildren, Ashley Griffin (Taylor) and Louis Griffin (Mary Catherine); and one great grandchild, Leo Griffin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at Blackrock Baptist Church with Rev. John Kasper officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to either Blackrock Baptist Church or Community Hospice and Palliative Care of N.E. Florida.