James Edward Smith, Sr. of Smoke Rise, Alabama, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on July 24, 2018. He was born December 13, 1928 in Little Texas, Alabama. After joining the Army and serving his term just before the Korean Conflict, he eventually settled in Birmingham.
He was employed by Foremost Dairies as a Route Salesman for 20 years. He then took employment with Birmingham Coca-Cola from which he retired. He enjoyed farming, gardening, welding and at the age of 80 learned to play the guitar. He was a member and an ordained deacon at Smoke Rise Baptist Church.
Predeceased by his parents, Benjamin Harrison Smith Sr., Katie Mable Smith and seven siblings. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathleen Weeks Smith, Smoke Rise, AL; four children: Jim Smith (Vickie) of Mt. Olive, Michele Smith of Vestavia Hills, Michael Smith (Kathy) of Gardendale and Mark Smith (Carlene) of Gardendale; grandsons Brandon Smith of Wahiowa, HI, Justin Smith of Gardendale, AL, Kirk Smith (Iesa) of Las Vegas, NV, great-grandchildren Hailey and Hunter Smith of Las Vegas, NV. He is survived by sisters Mildred S. Beals, Carol Virginia Smith, and many nieces and nephews and host of friends. A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday July 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with the family receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Rev. Toby Shedd will officiate
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