A minister for 55 years, John Lee Smith of Helena died Aug. 28. After graduating from Howard College (now Samford University), Smith served in the Air Force during World War II.
He later attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and, afterward, began his five-and-a-half decades of Christian service.
He served as pastor of churches in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and, most recently, Vinesville Baptist Church in Birmingham.
In addition, he was executive director of both Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) from 1969 to 1978 and the American Council on Alcohol Problems from 1972 to 1974.
He also served as the director of missions for Bessemer Baptist Association.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vivian Herrington Smith; three daughters; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren and a niece.
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