John Nelson Smith Jr.

John Nelson Smith, Jr. entered into eternal rest on December 7, 2023 at his lifelong home in Ducor, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents John (Jack) Nelson Smith and Idella F. (Wilson) Smith.

He was educated at Ducor School and continued his education at Porterville Union High School where he graduated with honors in 1962. During the summer of 1961, he was an exchange student to the Netherlands with the American Field Service. He remained friends with his host family, the Kleinbussinks for the remainder of his life.

He loved to play the accordion and attended the Ducor Baptist Church. John was an active 4-H member from age 10 to age 21 in the areas of Field Crops and Beef, achieving the rank of State Diamond Star shortly before his 21st birthday.

While attending UC Davis he managed several cotton and wheat test plots to help develop new varieties of seeds. Later, he transferred to Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo where he continued his education in water engineering.

After college, he returned home to ranch and farm with his father in 1968 and worked the family farm\ranch for the next 40+ years.

John is survived by his sister Ramona M Phillips, his nephew John Frederick Phillips and wife Beth as well as his Niece Katherine Garner and husband John in addition to multiple grand nieces and nephews

A Graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Porterville, California on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM. The service will be officiated by Jeff Ruckman of the Ducor Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ducor Baptist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Myers Funeral Service & Crematory, 248 North ''E'' Street, Porterville, CA. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myersfuneral.com