J.D. made his appearance on earth on January 5, 1949, in Knoxville, TN. He was preceded in death by parents Lovelace Harvey and Suzie Smith, uncle and aunt J.D.and Annie Smith also their daughter Patricia Hamilton. He was named after his uncle J.D. Smith who was a deacon at Mt.Zion Baptist Church and a bailiff in the Federal Court. He transitioned to his heavenly home at Fort Sanders Hospital on October 22, 2022.

J.D. was educated in the public schools of Knoxville, having attended Cansler Elementary, Beardsley Jr High, and West High School. He participated in the United Class of 1967. He enlisted in the U.S Army and saw active duty in Vietnam War. He was employed for 44 years as a mail handler with the U.S. Postal Service.

He met and dated Cynthia Taylor for seven years. On January 9th, 1974 he married her and they were married for 48 years.
J.D. united with Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc during the pastorate of Dr. Harold Middlebrook. He was active in Sunday School, Coffee Brunch, Brotherhood, Men’s Usher Ministry, and Trustee Ministry.

His life and memory will be cherished by his devoted wife Cynthia Smith,Children; Sherry Taylor, Jamicah Johnson, and Jamajah Hines. Grandchildren; Shekia Bowen (Ashaundae Bowen) and Brandon Malone (Nabre Dunn). Great - Grandchildren; Jaylyn and Ja’leah Hudson, Trinity and B.J Malone. Brother and Sister-in-law: Rev. John and Lady Diane Jordan. Cousins; Gioranni Achoe, Lovelace, Rosa, Jackie, Tina, Davette and Djuansay Jones, Patti Jones,Jeffery and Jeremiah Conwell, Charlotte Taylor, Freda and Willie Johnson, Angela Satterfield, Jackie Flack, Michelle Little. Close friends to the family; Charles Birden, The Evans and McDaniel Family, The Canaan Baptist Church family, Dr. Harold and Betty Middlebrook. Rev. Gene Thomas ,Pastor. And a host of family and many friends too numerous to name.