Johnnie Lee Smith

Johnnie Lee Smith, 78, passed away on October 22, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Born on Christmas Eve, 1946, Johnnie was a lifelong Clevelander whose life was marked by quiet dedication, steady responsibility, and deep care for the people, work, and city that he loved.

He graduated from East Technical High School in 1965 and later earned an associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College, building the technical foundation for a long and respected career.

Johnnie served six years in the United States Air Force, entering active duty in 1966 and completing his service honorably in 1972. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and was trained in radar and electronic tracking systems, serving under Strategic Air Command during the height of the Cold War. His work was quiet, technical, and exacting—the kind of responsibility entrusted to people who were steady, reliable, and precise.

After an honorable discharge, Johnnie spent decades as a senior draftsman and designer, lending his problem-solving skills to The Illuminating Company and Cleveland Public Power before retiring. His work reflected the same traits that defined him personally: patience, reliability, and pride in doing things the right way.  An avid Cleveland sports fan, Johnnie also spent more than 15 years as an event security officer at what is now known as Rocket Arena, assisting local fans as they enjoyed the Cleveland Cavaliers and other entertainment.

In midlife, Johnnie discovered the game of golf, a passion he embraced fully in his forties and carried with him for the rest of his life. On the course, as elsewhere, he valued focus, patience, and the quiet satisfaction of improvement over time. He also loved good conversation and was among the best storytellers any of us ever knew.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leola Smith; his nephew, Andre Smith; his sister, Blanche Pruitt; and by his former wife, Rosalyn Howard, and his wife, Judy (James) Smith, as well as several other colleagues, close friends and family members.

Above all, Johnnie was a proud and devoted father to his children, Jamil Karim Smith and Jessica Aziza Smith. They survive him, along with his siblings, Alvin Smith, Molly Jean Durden, Arlene Smith, Laverne Smith, and Erma Smith; and a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family members, close friends, fellow veterans, and beloved colleagues who will all miss him deeply.