Johnnie Clifton Smith, 83, of Burnet dies Oct. 17, 2014

Johnnie Clifton Smith, 83, of Burnet passed away Oct. 17, 2014. He was born in the Scallorn Community of Mills County, Texas, on Nov. 21 1930, to Clarence Sidney “Dutch” Smith and Roena “Rena” Harris Smith. 

Johnnie graduated from Lometa High School in 1948 and then attended North Texas State University, graduating in 1951. Johnnie earned his master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. During this time, he married Margaret Brown on Oct. 17, 1953.

Johnnie and Margaret came to Burnet in 1954 to teach school and coach. He served and worked in many different capacities. He coached, taught and, for the last 29 years of his career, was principal at Burnet Junior High. Johnnie refereed both football and basketball and was a member of SFOA and SBOA. He taught driver’s education after coordinating the program and was a member of the Highland Lakes Retired Teachers Association. He retired from the school in 1986 at age 55 and sold real estate and was a full-time rancher.

Johnnie volunteered with the Burnet Volunteer Fire Department for 17½ years and helped organize the Burnet EMS, driving the ambulance for a period of time. In 1989, he was named Burnet Honor Citizen.

Johnnie was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Burnet and helped organize the men’s Tuesday morning breakfast known as “ROMEO”.

Johnnie was a longtime member and past master, twice, of Valley Lodge 175 A.F. & A.M. in Burnet and member of the Burnet Chapter, Council, and Commandry. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason and supporter of the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Program.

Johnnie is survived by his wife, Margaret; niece Carolyn Breeden; nephew John W. Smith; as well as other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his son, Cliff; sister, Billie Helen Jernigan; brother, C.S. Smith Jr.; and nephews James Sidney Ball and Jesse Ball.

A memorial service is 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at First Baptist Church of Burnet with the Rev. Doug Lindley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hill Country Community Foundation, Austin Scottish Rite Dyslexia Program or First Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222. Go to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com to offer condolences.