Retired MSGT. John Bransford “Peck” Smith, age 86, of Chestnut Mound, TN, passed away September 14, 2024.
He was born in Robertson County, Tennessee on May 14, 1938, to Hershel and Hazel Smith. Growing up farming, he learned the value of hard work and the many strong morals and values he would live and teach to his family.
On May 20, 1961, John married the love of his life, Gisela, in Germany, where he served as a United States Army Ranger for six years. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces in the Vietnam War and later as a munitions specialist with SAC (Strategic Air Command). Together they traveled the world, before retiring from the Air Force and moving to the family farm near Chestnut Mound.
John lived a life of devotion to his family and service to his country. He was a Christian who drew strength from his faith. Though he endured many health challenges, his enthusiasm for life blessed those who he spent time with.
In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brothers Pete, Pat, Charlie, Billy and Dennis Smith and sister Polly Dixon.
He will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gisela Smith. His devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Hazel and Howard Jarvis and Tanya and Kenny Claywell. He was a proud “Granpap” to granddaughter Olivia Jarvis McMillian and husband Stephen and to grandson Gary Bransford Claywell and granddaughter Presley Maria Claywell. He is also survived by his brother Randy Smith and wife Reba. His sisters-in-law Linda Smith, Carolyn Smith, Janie Smith and brothers and sisters-in-law Tom and Ursula Inman and Gunter and Ingrid Furrer as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Smith will be conducted from the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Home on Thursday, September 19 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Gordonsville Cemetery with military honors by the United States Air Force.
Visitation with the family will be at the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Thursday from 10AM until service time at 1PM.
