Johnnie "Skipper" Smith

Johnnie "Skipper" Smith Jr., 77, of Bamberg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, friendship, laughter, and unconditional love for his family and community.

Born on March 21, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Skipper was the son of Johnnie Smith Sr. and Jeanne Smith. As a young boy, he returned with his family to his father's hometown of Bamberg, South Carolina, where he would build a life deeply rooted in faith, family, education, and community. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Bamberg.

Skipper graduated from Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He attended Anderson College on a baseball scholarship before transferring to Charleston Southern University, where he completed his undergraduate degree while continuing to play the sport he loved. After returning to Bamberg, he furthered his education at South Carolina State University. He also proudly served his country in the Army National Guard.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Skipper carried his love of athletics into a distinguished career in education. He began his career as the physical education coordinator at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School and served as an assistant football coach under Coach Leon Maxwell. His passion for helping young people eventually led him to become principal of Richard Carroll Elementary School. Over the course of more than 40 years of service to the school district, Skipper positively influenced generations of students, families, teachers, and colleagues. His leadership was defined by compassion, encouragement, humor, and a sincere desire to see every child succeed.

Skipper married Jane Heath (Blake) Smith, the love of his life, in 1978. Their marriage was filled with companionship, laughter, adventure, and an enduring devotion to one another. Whether they were enjoying a planned vacation, taking a last-minute trip to Atlanta or the beach, or simply relaxing together at home, Skipper was happiest when he was by Jane Heath's side.

His love for his family was immeasurable. Skipper had an extraordinarily generous heart and a way of making those closest to him feel deeply loved. He shared a special bond with his brother, Todd, through their mutual love of sports. Together, they attended NASCAR races, the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and countless other sporting events, creating a lifetime of treasured memories.

His daughter, Blake, was truly the apple of his eye. Whenever she returned to college, Skipper would walk her to her car, often with tears in his eyes, remind her how much he loved her, place a Winnie-the-Pooh sticker or another small keepsake on her dashboard, and then stand at the end of the driveway watching until she was completely out of sight. It was one of the many ways he quietly and faithfully showed the depth of his love.

Becoming a grandfather may have brought Skipper his greatest joy. Affectionately known as "Pop-Pop," he embraced every moment with his four grandchildren. When his eldest grandson, Cholly, once asked to spend more time with him, Skipper submitted his retirement paperwork within days so he could devote more time to his family.

From that point forward, Pop-Pop could be found wherever his grandchildren were. He spent countless hours at ballfields, fishing ponds, trampoline parks, school programs, family events, and every activity in between. At sporting events, he was often seated in the bleachers before the team had even arrived, ready to cheer with unmatched enthusiasm. His quick wit, warm humor, and occasional commentary regarding an umpire's questionable call became part of the experience for everyone around him.

When Skipper was not attending an event for one of his grandchildren, he was likely enjoying time with his closest friends and companions. He loved telling jokes around the card table, flying remote-controlled airplanes, taking beach trips, admiring classic cars, following nearly every sport imaginable, and relaxing on the porch with his beloved boxers. He had a natural gift for bringing laughter into a room and making ordinary moments memorable.

Skipper lived fully, loved deeply, and gave generously of himself. He will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but for the joy he brought to others, the loyalty he showed his friends, the encouragement he gave his students, and the boundless love he shared with his family.

In addition to his father, Johnnie Smith Sr., Skipper was preceded in death by his sister, Cindy Smith Walker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Heath Smith of Bamberg; his daughter, Lauren Blake Williams (Charlie) of Orangeburg; his mother, Jeanne Smith of Bamberg; and his brother, Todd Smith (Kim) of Columbia.

He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Cholly (16), Marshall (14), Lilly (12), and Brooker Williams (3), along with nieces Mary Nicole DeVaughn, Jessica Lauren Cook, and Courtney Ann Koellner.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dean Delk, Robbie Kearse, Randy Maxwell, Billy McQue and Bubba Walker.

A graveside service will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Bamberg Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 355, Bamberg, SC 29003 or Cheez N Cracker Box, P.O Box 303, Bamberg, SC 29003.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at coonerfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cooner-Smith Funeral Home, 287 McGee St, Bamberg, SC 29003, (803-245-2828).

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