JOHNSTON, S.C. – John Otis (Buster) Smith, 61, died January 13, 2014. Born in Saluda, he was the son of Emma Bell McKinney Smith and the late Herbert Adams. He was a member of Mine Creek Baptist Church and Mine Creek Burial Society. He was a retired textile worker.

He is survived by his mother, Emma Bell Smith of Johnston; devoted companion, Leona Merriweather of the home; two sons, John (Robyn) Smith, San Diego, Ca. and Corey Merriweather of Johnston; daughter Carolyn W. Mitchell, Virginia; four brothers, Joe Ben Smith, Gregory Smith and Willie (Barbara) Smith, all of Johnston and Alvin(Thomesenia) Smith of Aiken; two sisters, Eva Mae Stevens and Lillie Mae(Johnny) Bledsoe, both of Johnston; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and other relatives.

Funeral services were held I p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Mine Creek Baptist Church conducted by Rev. George Key with burial in the church cemetery. Butler & Sons Funeral Home assisted the Smith family.