John Bryan Smith, age 63, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida, with Kathy, his wife of 19 years, at his side. He was born in Pensacola Naval Hospital and enjoyed a happy childhood in a Navy family which took him many places around America until his parents retired in Gulf Breeze. After graduating from Gulf Breeze High in 1979, John attended Pensacola Junior College and Florida State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management, primarily focused in the Hospitality industry. He joined Chi Phi fraternity and made life-long friends there. John held many management positions in restaurants, and while managing a Ruby Tuesday, met Kathy when he hired her as hostess in 1987. Although job opportunities separated them after a while, they found their way back together in 2001 and were married in 2005. John was passionate about fine wines, and he enjoyed conducting tastings and teaching classes in Wine Technology and Merchandising at Pensacola State College. He also made several guest appearances as a wine expert for WSRE. 

John is survived by the love of his life - his wife Kathy - and daughter Klarissa. He also leaves behind his brother Rem (Jill) and sisters Cathy (David), Ann (Mike), and Leigh (Russell), and numerous cherished relatives residing in Pensacola. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Louis Smith and Betty Ann Johnson Smith.

 A memorial service will be held at Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home on Monday October 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM and a reception will be held following the service at 12:00 PM at Temple Beth El, 800 N Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32501.