John "J.R." Smith Age 86, of Magnolia, passed away Sat. afternoon in the Laurels of Canton. He was born in Newcomerstown, OH, a son of the late Roelof and Clara (Harding) Smith, and had been a Magnolia resident since 1954. J.R. was a 1944 graduate of Newcomerstown High School. He and his wife spent winters in Florida for a number of years. J.R. retired in 1988 from the Ohio Power Co., after over 40 years' service, where he was an engineer. He was a member of Magnolia United Methodist Church, and being a Master Carver, J.R. was also a member of the National Woodcarvers Association, a Charter Member of the Canton Hall of Fame Woodcarvers Association, Sandy Valley American Legion Post #432, Sandy Valley Booster Club, a Past President of the Newcomerstown Jaycees, the Boy Scouts of America, and was an avid golfer and bowler. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Survived by his wife, Mary H. Smith, with whom he celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary on April 4, 2012; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Steven and Jeannie Smith, of Canton, and Bruce Smith, of Massillon; Seven grandchildren who are all college graduates, and two great-granddaughters, Ryan Smith, of Massillon, Kevin (Ashley) Smith, of North Canton, Dr. Steven (Megan Esker) Smith, of Canton, Nathan (Dr. Kristen) Smith, of Columbus, Lauren (Mike Clark) Smith, of Massillon, Joshua (Victoria) Smith, of Avon, Jeremy (Mary Ellen) Smith, and their daughters, Holly and Jaina, of Miamisburg; and one sister, Ruth Jane Spillan, of Columbus, OH. Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with Rev. Jeffrey Gindlesberger officiating. Interment in Magnolia Cemetery. Friends may call Wed. 6-8 p.m. Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com Gordon (330) 866-9425