Thursday, February 4, 2016 7:52 am

John Henry Smart, Jr., age 66, of Bostic passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016.

A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late John Henry Smart, Sr. and Etta Newton Smart. John retired from the North Carolina Highway Patrol, having also served as an officer with North Carolina Wildlife and the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department. He was a member of Ashe Masonic Lodge #594 A.F. & A.M. and enjoyed golf, softball, and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Bailey Smart of the home; a son, John Henry Smart III and wife Jennifer of Boiling Springs, NC; a daughter, Kellie Smart Nitschke and husband Scott of Phoenix, AZ; brother-in-law, Charles Duncan; and sister-in-law, Frances Smart; and five grandchildren, In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Eddie Smart and Bill Smart, and a sister, Shirley Duncan.

A private graveside service was held for the family in the Cool Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.