Columbus, OH — John C. Smith, 84, died Dec. 26, 2022.

He was born on Aug. 9, 1938, in West Liberty, Ohio, to his beloved parents, Johnson C. Smith and Helen Coleman Smith who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his daughter, Brenda Lee; brothers, George and James; sisters, Kathleen Wren and Carolyn Heminger; and his dear brothers- and sisters-in law.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn S. Lantz Smith; children, Tami (Sky) Shelby, Gary (Shelia) and Denise (Shane) Foote; grandchildren, Chelsea, Olivia, Madison, Bucky, Brandon, Skyler, Conner, Cameron and Caitlin; great- grandchildren Korbin, Karsen and Sawyer; and sisters, Mary Alexander and Eileen (Alan) Kauffman.

Growing up in West Liberty, Mr. Smith attended Zanesfield Monroe School. He married Carolyn S. Lantz on Sept. 7, 1957. John and Carolyn were adventurous, enjoying vacationing, boating, skiing and snowmobiling. Most memorable were the many camping trips and game nights with the Smith Family solidifying the importance of family to their three children.

Mr. Smith began working at Super Value Food Mart in 1958 for his father-in-law, Walter Lantz. After Walter’s passing, Mr. Smith owned and operated Super Value with his two brothers-in-law, Gene and Duane Lantz, until his retirement in 1996. During this time, he employed and mentored many young men and women through the high school DECA program. During retirement, he still enjoyed the many former employees connecting with him in the community.

An avid horseman, he enjoyed raising and training Standardbreds for more than 40 years with his greatest accomplishment winning the Ohio Breeders Championship with Dee’s Tuition along with several other major racing accomplishments.

Mr. Smith was a long-time member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and the USTA. He was instrumental in promoting harness racing at the Logan County Fair. He made many close friends in the racing industry while traveling throughout the country.

After retirement, he enjoyed working a variety of part-time positions as he appreciated continuing to be part of the community.

Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in his honor.