John Douglas Smith

John Douglas Smith returned to his Heavenly Home on August 11, 2023. Doug was the eldest child of Eldred Smith and Anna Elizabeth Gubler and was born on September 30, 1944, in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in St. George, Utah, and graduated from Dixie High School in 1963. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North British Mission.

Upon his return he resumed training with the Utah National Guard and after returning from Fort Greely, Alaska, he moved to Henderson, Nevada, then Ogden, Utah, before eventually returning to St. George in 1985 where he eventually built his home in Winchester Hills. 

He spent his career working in telecommunications for the Executone Telephone Company and later with KV Communications. In his free time, he loved riding his Honda Goldwing, and in his later years moved on to ATV’s and exploring the trails in Southern Utah and the hills around Beaver. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants with his family. The church was also a big part of his life. He held the position of High Priest as well as spent time as a Temple Worker in the Baptistry in recent years until the Temple closed. 

Doug loved family and looked forward to spending time with them. He took pleasure in taking care of his mom in her later years and looked forward to seeing his children and grandchildren. He loved spending his summers up in Beaver on the family property and visiting with everyone who dropped in, and he always took any opportunity to get together with extended family. Doug also loved dogs and treated them like family. He had a special bond with Gracie and could never replace her after she passed. 

Doug is survived by his children, Tammy Maggard, Nina Lee, Walter John Smith, Jody Weldon, Michele Rocco, and Angela Pells; sisters, Deanna (Robert) Davis, Jillyn (Arthur) Cottam; brother, Doyle (Marie) Smith; grandchildren, Casey, Brett, Austin, Natalie, Brennen, Kyle, Shalynda, Tiffany, Britini, Ashley, Shawn Michael, Jordan, Kayla, Skylar, Brittany, Jalen, Madisyn, Riley Matthew; 34 great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eldred and Anna Smith; son, Matthew John Smith; wives, Joyce Mallard and Georgia Williams; grandson, Brandon Bartleson. 

Viewing/visitation will be held on Monday Aug 21, 2023, 10:00 am, followed by the services starting at 11:00 am at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah.

Friends and family that are unable to attend the services in person are welcome to attend them virtually by clicking on the link below:

Video on Demand

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435)673-2454.