PASS CHRISTIAN — John Bernard (Bernie, JB) Smith, 53, passed away on Nov. 7, 2008, at home in Pass Christian after an extended illness. He was born Nov. 24, 1954, in Galveston, Texas, to Chester and Irline Smith, their fifth child.

Bernie grew up in Gulfport and attended Gulfport schools. He spent some time in Vicksburg with his late uncle Bernard and aunt Rosalie Sapp. He was employed with Offshore Logistics, working on crew and supply boats, following in his dad’s footsteps. He also worked in convenience stores along the Coast.

Bernie was a member of Burton Memorial United Methodist Church in Gulfport. He had a beautiful voice, which he used singing in church choirs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester R. Smith; his maternal grandparents, George W. and Marion (Mallie) L. Sapp; and his paternal grandparents, Clarence M. and Halya Ekstrom Smith.

Bernie is survived by a loving family — his mother, Irline Sapp Smith of Pass Christian; his son, J. David (Verginie) Triplett of Biloxi; siblings, Maria Smith of Bay St. Louis, Anne (Ron) Bailey of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Iris (Terry) Coats of Pass Christian, the Rev. Bob (Deb) Smith of Minneapolis, Kan., and Ronald and Joseph Smith of Pass Christian; many nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins; and especially his beloved cat, Sebastian.

A memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Bob Smith and assisted by the Rev. Stirman Williamson, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, with visitation at noon at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport. Interment will follow at Perkinston Cemetery in Perkinston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501 because of his love for animals.

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