John Paul Smith III, 62, of New Castle, passed suddenly on April 13, 2016.
He was born in Mebane, NC to John Paul Smith Jr. and Vivian (Benson) Smith. He grew up in New Market, VA. He attended Stonewall Jackson HS in Mount Jackson, VA, receiving his GED in the military USAF 1971-1975. He was married on May 25, 2015, in New Castle, CO to Catherine Roberts. John enjoyed exploring new places off the beaten path, the more remote the better. He enjoyed people watching and spending time with family and friends as well as gold prospecting, even being a member of the Gold Prospectors Association of America.
John is survived by his wife, Catherine Roberts Smith of New Castle, CO; daughter, Emily Fudger of Fonda, NY; son, Scott (Erika) Cannell of New Castle, CO; daughter, Jennifer Cannell (Rich) Rogers of Warrensburg, NY; seven grandchildren, Damian Dufel, Tucker Cannell, Cooper Cannell, Coral Helmer, Zara Helmer, all of New Castle, Abigail Rogers and Kaitlyn Rogers, both from Warrensburg, NY; three sisters, Jan and (Allen) Spivey of Palmyra, VA, Jaynelle Smith (Ronald) Golladay of Mount Jackson, VA, Jerilyn Smith Crocker of Rocky Mount, NC; many nieces, nephews, cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 23, at 2 p.m. at New Hope Community Church, New Castle, Colorado. A service in New York will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.NorthernColoradoCrematory.com.
