Committal
Bishop John Smiley, 51 of Drexel, NC passed away, Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Born on July 24, 1973, he was the son of the late Donald Smiley and Mary Ruth Goss. John was the founder and Pastor of Souls Harvest Ministries, where he labored many years in the gospel, reaching out into the community, leading many to Christ. John was currently a member at New Hope in Christ Church. He loved the Lord and dedicated in his walk in Christ. John was a people person and loved his family very much, he had a passion for helping others. He also loved sharing the Word of the Lord with other churches and instilling himself in other churches. John was a jokester and loved to make people laugh.
John is survived by his daughters, Melea Smiley Harrison (Brad), Brittney Smiley (Dỹlan Conley); grandchildren, Grayson, Shay, Londyn; siblings, Sherry Goss Cunningham (Mike), Donnie Goss (Vickie), Otela Flanders (Greg); Dahelin Goss, Makeyla Goss; number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his loving k-9 companion, Cricket.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Alexander Baldwin Goss; nephew Brayden Dennis; several aunts and uncles.
The family will receive friends from 4pm until 5pm, Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home at 5pm.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I am so sorry to just learn of Bishop John Smiley's passing. My heart is so heavy. I worked with John in healthcare and always loved his smile and enthusiasm. We talked often and to know that he is gone to glory and I didn't get a chance to pay my respects makes me sad but I know he love the Lord and I know he has a new body free from all sickness and pain. Loved his Facebook posts and will him.
God speed my friend! U are so loved and missed! I love you John RIP
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Rest in peace, you are now home with the LORD.
My condolences to Family Members Pastor Smiley great man of God Rest from your labor Restoration Church Victory Church
I have no words..... one of the most amazing men I have ever met, so much love and compassion!! Much love ❤️ 💔
Was shocked and saddened to learn of Bishop John's transition. We had just spent a marvelous time in revival the previous week at my church!! I offer my deepest condolences to the family!! Well done, John, may you SIHP!!
Today we celebrate the life of a great man of God. My nephew bishop Join Smiley and he will be missed greatly . To my beautiful nieces and Smiley family you are in my prayers and always in my heart i pray the Lord hold each of you ever so close with comfort today and in the days ahead. I love each of you just remember it's not good bye it's I'll see you later
John This is so hard for me. You my baby brother and we were ever so close growing up. I started watching you all when I was 8 and half so you are so much more than a brother to me. We always been friends and talk about anything. I always loved out Bible studies we would start out for an hour and end up up all night I know you dancing jig with mom, aunt corrine? Uncle Bob, Bobby, Tammy, uncle Phillip, aunt pearl, aunt Wilma? Bo bo you got to meet bo bo, aunt Cora, uncle dee, and all the rest that have gone on I love you so much and miss you so much. I always knew you were destined to be a preacher just a wee fellow when you began practicing. I've always been so proud of you for following your calling. You have touched so many life's all over world. You told me one time when you went to heaven you wanted pass all up to go straight to Jesus feet and I iniq you shouted and danced all the way to his feet. I love you my brother Sherry Lynn ( as you called me most time) . 1 .
How do I navigate this part John. We have always navigated the good and the bad together. A light in me is now dark…. A voice I always looked for is now quite…. I have a vacant spot in my heart that is weeping.. I am filled with a life time of memories that are now covered with tears….. your absence is a painful reminder to cherish every precious moment… you left light in everyone to came in contact with, which will continue to shine…. It’s not goodbye baby brother, it’s see you later. I love you so big 😞 always, Otela
Just seems so surreal. Uncle John, I’ll miss your random calls asking me about this car or that car. If Devin can come wash your car for you. Where my momma at or what she doing. Your smile was always present, your laugh was memorable, and the energy you brought with you into any room was contagious. I know you’re back at peace being reunited with Maw. I know your pain isn’t lingering anymore. I have realized over the past few days how much you were love and respected by our community. You touched the hearts and minds of so many, and helped some through the toughest situations. I’m proud to say that you were my uncle, and it may be selfish of me…but I just wasn’t ready to let you go yet. Miss you always. Kiss maw for me 💜