Johnny Smith...RIP

[2112]

God Speed Johnny you old salt, you will be missed by all that had the honor to know you.

Some of you may have heard of him by his nick names "The old reel guy" or "The reel old guy"
The Stevenson's used to call the 18th street pier in the morning to talk to him, he didn't have to call the show. He use to live behind the pier in his travel trailer but after Ike he hade to relocate to Eagle Point.

He was considered the go to guy in the Galveston area if you had a question about antique reels and lures.
I used to live on 17th street and work that old pier all the time and it's how I got to know him.

[Root Canal]

This is such sad news. I have listened to him on 610 AM Radio for more years than I can remember. He will be deeply missed. My prayers to his family and friends.

[2112]

I hear ya. Somehow with his passing it has hit home to me the "good old days" realy are gone. It's up to us to carry the torch to the next generation in a way the old school men would appreciate. Not that there aren't any of good old timers left but Johnny was the last of the "famous old salts" in my eyes.

That old man would even go into Wayno's for a beer every now and then and he wouldn't even have to pull out his wallet.

[Root Canal]

I heard him talking to Eastman about 3 weeks ago I think. Do you know how he passed?

[Curmudgeon]

Bye, Johnny. Good Fishin'.

[2112]

I don't know how but I've got a strong feeling it was peaceful.
I only heard about this on the other forum and there is no mention on how he passed or info on the wake.
Most likely the burial will be at the San Leon Cemetary.

[dbarham]

RIP prayers to his family

[Breeze]

God Speed Johnny you old salt, you will be missed by all that had the honor to know you.

Some of you may have heard of him by his nick names "The old reel guy" or "The reel old guy"
The Stevenson's used to call the 18th street pier in the morning to talk to him, he didn't have to call the show. He use to live behind the pier in his travel trailer but after Ike he hade to relocate to Eagle Point.

He was considered the go to guy in the Galveston area if you had a question about antique reels and lures.
I used to live on 17th street and work that old pier all the time and it's how I got to know him.

Do you remember if he ever worked at the bait stand by the spillway? Years ago. Seems like I ran into him there, sure seems like the same voice as on the radio. He treated me like he had known me all his life. Enjoyed talking with him. RIP Johnny.

[2112]

Breeze, I only lived in San Leon for about 3 years before the spillway pier shut down but you are right in that he treated everyone liked that.
I don't think he had a mean bone in his body. I'd like to take one of his antique reels I have and put it just under the fresh earth where he lays but thats probably a bad idea.

[reeltime]

Johnnie was famous here in San leon and he will be missed.He was like Bert said a true salty dog.

[2112]

They said on the radio this morning Johnny passed peacefully in his sleep Thursday night.
The wake and the funeral, if I heard this right, will be held somewhere in Channelview and the public is welcome.
I did not catch the date or time

Mickey mentioned his name in the same sentence with Rudy Greiger, that says a lot about what kind of man he was.
The National Anthem was dedicated to you know who, that's pretty cool.

[nokatchin]

A good man that will be missed.Prayers to the family and may he R.I.P.

[reeltime]

There is a sign paying respect's to Johnnie Smith at the San Leon cementary but not sure if that's were he will be buried.I wouldn't mind being buried there myself or just tossed in the bay.

[slickfish]

I remember Mr. Smith from when I first started fishing troutmasters. He was probably the first person I met. He was a very personable man. I always told myself that I hoped i was still able to get out of the boat at his age if I ever lived that long. Mr. Smith will definitely be missed by many in the fishing community. Tight lines old man an enjoy those double digits that are swimming around up there. Thanks for everything Mr. Smith

[catchnrelease]

I was at a Christmas party in Houston yesterday and just heard the news about Famous, I hate that I missed his services.. does anyone know when and where they were? I would like to pay my respect. Thanks for any info.