John Walton "Sonny" Smith, III of Johnson City, TX passed away July 19, 2022 in Fredericksburg, TX.  A lifelong resident of Blanco County, Sonny was born August 14, 1942 in Blanco, TX to John W. Smith, Jr. and Elsie (Greenhaw) Smith.

Sonny was a witty creative problem solver who wore many hats in this life. His passion was being a cowboy and a cattle rancher.  Sonny was a loving husband, father, and Christian.  He was able to maintain an independent self-employed lifestyle over the years.  As an early teenager he would shear sheep with his father, JW and uncles, Lincoln and MB.  He worked alongside his father-in-law training race horses. Sonny supplemented his income with roles like liquid feed distributor, well witcher, market swine producer, and ice house owner.  He built fence with his father, was a horseshoer, and wrote many tickets at the Llano auction.  Sonny was also a commodity futures trader.  He believed in giving back to his local community and was always willing to help someone who needed it. Sonny was a man who put great value on the realities of life.  He was decisive.  He was diligent.  He knew how to take action to accomplish his tasks.

His life and legacy were the epitome of a genuine western entrepreneur raised with values like the importance of integrity and respect.  His ancestors helped settle this state.  His great great great grandmother received a land grant from the Republic of Texas in 1837 and his great grandfather and great uncles were Indian fighters in Blanco and Llano counties.  His grandfather, John Smith, prepared the grounds and barbequed the goats for the 1 ^st Blanco County Fair & Rodeo.  He cherished his 6 generations of roots in the Hill Country and no matter where travels took him, his favorite place remained right here with the people of this community he dearly loved and called family.

He was preceded in death by his parents J.W. and Elsie Smith.  Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Henrietta (Bourland) Smith; his brother, Owen J. Smith and wife Estella; three children, Van Smith and wife Shalene, Wade Smith and wife Lynn, and Shelly Smith Schebil and husband Kevin; sister-in-law, Claudia Simmons; ten grandchildren, Hayden, Kennedi, Justin, Reagan, Alex, Kaylin, Kennedy, Erik, Gavin, and Reston; and niece, Konnie Craig.  Sonny is also survived by other loving relatives and many dear friends.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, July 22, 2022 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City, TX where funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday morning with Rev. Bryn Caddell and Rev. Royce Calhoun officiating.  Interment will follow in Miller Creek Cemetery.  With a reception at the Johnson City First United Methodist Church Activity Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Blanco County EMS or to the charity of your choice.