James R. Smith, age 89

James R. Smith, age 89, of Ellenboro, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019.

James was born July 30, 1930 in Cleveland County, to the late James Harvey Smith and Donie Beheler Smith. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and honorably served during the Korean War. James worked as a supervisor for Master Craft for many years and was a longtime active member of Corinth Baptist Church. He loved Southern Gospel music, gardening and canning. James was known for his "World Famous" Peanut Butter Pies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two wives, Evelyn Dobbins Smith and Nellie Padgett Smith; three brothers, Harold, Kenneth and Walter Smith and a sister, Frances Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory include two sisters, Margaret Hamrick of Gastonia and Judy Gordon (Winford) of Caroleen; brother, Charles Smith (Peggy) of Ellenboro; two step-daughters, Shirley Pittman (Bill) of Ellenboro and Glennette Lavender of Rutherfordton; step-son, Dean Greene (Elizabeth) of Matthews, NC; sister-in-law, Linda Smith of Forest City; four step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was conducted at Corinth Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to Corinth Baptist Church, 767 Pinehurst Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040 or to Katie's Kidz, P.O. Box 436, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.