J.T. Smallwood

James Thomas “J.T.” Smallwood, 29, of Harker Heights, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple.

J.T. was born on February 17, 1997, at King’s Daughters Hospital in Temple, Texas, to John and Mindy (Clowdus) Smallwood. He was given a name rich in family heritage, honoring his grandfather, James Dois Smallwood; his great-grandfathers, Thomas Green Smallwood, Wayne Thomas Ewing, and William Thomas Rampy; and his great- uncle, Thomas Marion Smallwood.

Growing up in Harker Heights, J.T. graduated from Ellison High School in Killeen. Skilled across many trades, he worked primarily as an appliance installation technician for various companies. J.T. was gifted in countless ways and had a remarkable ability to build and create entirely from vision, never needing plans or blueprints. Where others saw obstacles, J.T. saw possibilities, transforming ordinary things into something remarkable.

He had an innate warmth, always finding the good in everyone he met, and could comfortably carry on a conversation about almost anything for hours. Whatever he put his mind to, he gave 110%. Whether casting a line into his favorite fishing hole or listening to good country music, J.T. found joy in life’s simple pleasures and effortlessly made those around him feel at home.

Recently, J.T. rededicated his life to the Lord. He attended Encounter City Church in Killeen and faithfully served with the Armor of God Ministry. He lived out his faith through action, caring for others with a willing heart and a generous spirit. Always ready to lend a hand, J.T. was the first to show up whenever someone needed help—tackling plumbing, minor repairs, or any project that came his way. Looking toward the future, he had recently begun training to become an HVAC technician, eager to build a lasting career while continuing to use his God-given talents to serve others.

J.T. was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Linda Lee (Rampy) Clowdus, James “Jim” Smallwood, and Sadie Beth (Ewing) Smallwood, as well as his great- grandparents, Howard and Helen Clowdus and Georgia Lee Rampy.

He is survived by his loving parents, John and Mindy Smallwood; his sister and brother-in-law, Katelyn and Samuel Sharpe; his grandparents, Ken and Jan Clowdus; his uncle and aunt, Brook and Kim Clowdus; and his cousins, Kelsey Collins and her family, and Chloe Clowdus. J.T. is also survived by numerous great-aunts and uncles, as well as many loving cousins from the Seale, Smallwood, and Clowdus families.

Service Information and Details

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Salado. Family and friends are invited to stay and celebrate J.T.’s life immediately following visitation at 11:00 AM. Dossman Funeral Home in Belton is handling the arrangements.

J.T. was well known for keeping things casual, whether attending a formal occasion, a family gathering, Sunday church, or heading to his favorite fishing spot. Ties, jackets, and dress shoes simply weren’t his thing—his daily attire was a ball cap, shorts, and a pair of Hey Dudes. In honoring J.T.’s memory, the family requests that those attending his celebration please wear casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Armor of God Ministry at 61 N. Gilmer Street, Killeen, Texas 76541 or scan the code below to make a donation to the Killeen I.S.D. Education Foundation or click the link https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-for-jt-smallwood