Johnny Revelle Smith

Johnny Revelle Smith (Revelle) affectionately known as “Uncle Re” was born on October 4, 1957, to Joe and Luvirne Smith. Revelle was a cherished son, devoted husband, loving father, affectionate grand-father, kind nephew, uncle, cousin and friend. He was also a great brother-in-law.  

Revelle grew up in Gary, Indiana surrounded by love and a family bond that became central to his life. He graduated from West Side High School in 1977. Revelle was a servant of Jehovah God and symbolized his dedication on July 30, 2011, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He loved Jehovah and loved talking about the Bible as well as Jehovah God’s promises.

Revelle was a former child prodigy. Music was his passion. He began playing the guitar at the age of 4, and he was truly one of the most talented musicians in the Chicagoland area. He was an amazingly versatile musician who played guitar (lead, bass, bass upright, acoustic, nylon strings, and guitar synthesizer), (harmonica chromatic) and drums. He could play in just about any style– such as jazz, R&B, blues, neo-soul. He was also a scat and blues singer.  

Although a successful solo artist and band member for decades, he began The Revelle Smith Project in recent years. He composed and performed music commercials for small and large businesses. He produced and recorded original compositions on albums entitled License to Chill, Business as Usual, Box Car Full of Blues, and Wish I Could Sing. He recorded and produced in his own recording studio. He was also a member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians LOCAL 10-208.

He retired from US Steel Works in 2008. He married the love of his life Audrey Whitt on February 3, 2009. Revelle and Audrey hosted countless family gatherings and enjoyed coordinating family trips that captured many memories. He and Audrey loved to travel and enjoyed talking to everyone they met. Revelle never ever met a stranger.

Sadly, Revelle age 67 of Merrillville, Indiana passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Methodist Hospital - Southlake. He touched so many people’s hearts and though he is deeply missed, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and were blessed to know him.

Revelle is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Luvirne Smith, brother Joseph (Sandra)Smith, and sister Amega (Charlton) Crummie.

Left to cherish Revelle’s memory is his loving, devoted wife, Audrey Smith; his children, Stephanie (Joel) Gragg, Tiara Smith, Johnny (Carol) Smith, and Sabrina Smith; bonus children Ashlee and Michael Moses; grandchildren Abrielle and Ariyah Smith; and sisters Artmeice Smith and Brenda (Oscar) Harmon, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws…..in addition, his mother-in-love, Diana L. Whitt (“Mama”). Also left to cherish his memory are his favorite uncles – Uncle Skippy and Uncle Ben and his childhood friend Kevin DeArmon.