John Wayne

Smoot

John W. Smoot, Jr., affectionately known as "John-John" and "Smoot-Rooter," was born on September 18,

1972, at Maumee Valley Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, to the union of John W. Smoot, Sr. and Jacquelyn Nanette Britter

Smoot. From the moment of his birth, he captured the hearts of his family. As the first son of his parents, first

grandson, and first nephew on the Smoot branch, John held a special place in the lives of those who loved him. His

richly melanated skin, black curly hair, and bright, expressive eyes made him unforgettable to all who met him.

John proudly carried the name of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, all named John Smoot. He

was deeply rooted in a rich family legacy that included his ancestors' entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance.

Among those ancestors was Henry Smoot, who was born enslaved in 1805 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. John

valued his heritage and took great pride in his family's history.

At an early age, John accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, embracing the promise of John 3:16. He

attended Union Grove Baptist Church with his mother, sister, and grandparents. Though he encountered many

struggles throughout his life, his faith in God remained steadfast. Later, he united with Friendly Missionary Baptist

Church, where he faithfully served as an usher and willingly shared his talents in service to the Lord. One of his

favorite scriptures was Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these

things shall be added unto you."

As the 'Big' brother of baby sister Jabrea, he was caring, protective and encouraging. During his school

years, he played both football and baseball and proudly wore jersey number 32, following in the footsteps of his

father. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, John earned a reputation as a class comedian.

Friends fondly remember the time he hopped on top of a desk to perform the popular Pee-Wee Herman

dance and his unforgettable roller-skating adventures through the halls of DeVilbiss High School.

John held high expectations for himself and others. He understood both triumph and adversity and carried

himself with determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic. After graduating from high school, John pursued a

career in the skilled trades. He attended the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 286, where

he completed his apprenticeship and earned his Journeyman Card in 2010. He furthered his training at the Lincoln

Electric Welding Technology & Training Center, earning certifications in Arc Welding and Medical Gas Installation.

These accomplishments opened doors for him to travel throughout the United States as a Journeyman Pipefitter,

working in Idaho, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

John was a devoted father, grandfather, and stepfather. Above all, he was a proud "Girl Dad." Tender yet

firm, he was deeply committed to the well-being of his daughters and believed they deserved every opportunity

afforded to anyone else. His children remember him for his love, guidance, and unmistakable sense of style. John

was fly, flashy, and flamboyant in the very best way—always dressed from head to toe. Kee-Kee and Sugar called

him "Smooty-Booty". Smooty gave them a directive to maintain confident posture, be brave and stay strong.

His love for young people extended beyond his family. John served as a mentor and conditioning coach for

youth football organizations, including the Glass City Tigers, where his grandson played. Known affectionately by

players and parents alike. John was also a devoted sports fan. He was an avid supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and

the Ohio State Buckeyes, proudly wearing his Buckeye gear for every major game and never missing an opportunity

to cheer on his favorite teams.

Family was at the center of John's life. He loved family gatherings and cherished every opportunity to bring

people together. During the Britter Family Reunions, John faithfully served as Sports and Games Coordinator. In

2025, John attended the Cornelius-Knox-Smoot Cousins Weekend in Greensboro, North Carolina, alongside his

parents, sister, aunts, niece, and many Toledo cousins. The experience filled him with overwhelming joy as he

reconnected with family and celebrated his heritage. John was famous for his delicious jerk chicken and for hosting

impromptu gatherings of family and friends. Whether grilling, laughing, storytelling or simply enjoying one

another's company, John knew how to create moments that became treasured memories.

John-John was also a devoted and loving son. He cared deeply for both of his parents, sharing a particularly close and treasured bond with his mother. He cared for her with unwavering love and dedication. Likewise, during his father's illness, John lovingly assisted with personal care, trimming his beard, giving fresh haircuts, and ensuring he was always well-groomed.

An accomplished entrepreneur, John was the owner and proprietor of Smoot Rooter, also known as Smoot

The Plumber. He was also a proud member of the Black Contractors Association of Toledo. Colleagues and

community members described him best: "John was known throughout the community for his work, his presence,

and the relationships he built with customers, fellow tradesmen, and friends." His expertise as a Journeyman

Plumber and Pipefitter spanned residential, commercial, and industrial projects, earning him the respect of clients

and fellow tradespeople alike.

In 2017, John fell deeply in love with Tammy Williams. He was absolutely smitten; they met at the 2017

Dogs & Cats Reunion! Their love blossomed into marriage on October 4, 2019—coincidentally Tammy's birthday.

On October 4, 2025, they celebrated their enduring love with a vow renewal ceremony surrounded by family and

friends. John and Tammy shared a relationship built on love, friendship, spontaneity, sincerity, and countless

cherished memories.

John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jacquelyn Nanette Britter Smoot; his maternal

grandparents, Wheeler and Elvine Britter; and his paternal grandparents, John and Maebelle Smoot.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Tammy Smoot; his loving father, John Wayne Smoot, Sr.;

daughters; Shalayia Jackson, Jabrea Smoot, Sacora Smoot, Aaliyah Perkins and one son; John Smoot III; one sister;

Jabrea (Te'Arle) Spears; grandsons George Swain, III and Da'King Maurice Carter; special niece; Braelyn Rose Spears

"Nugget", Brothers Rashaan (Kizzy) Armstrong and Anthony Armstrong (Danelle); stepbrother Mike Armstrong;

mother and father-in-love Ella R. and Richard Perry his stepdaughters; Kie`Shonda Lawrence (Bryon), Brice Madrigal

(Shavonte), Diamond Williams and Terrell Williams, Aliyah Williams (Marcus); sisters-in-law Lisa and Agnes

Williams; brothers-in-law Gordon and Timothy Williams along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues,

dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the memories John leaves behind. His faith, humor, generosity,

craftsmanship, style, and unwavering love for family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."