James William Smith
Mr. James William Smith, 91, of Opelika, AL passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL. Funeral services were held on Thursday March 21, 2019 at 3:00pm CST at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel, 1500 Frederick Rd in Opelika, with Reverend Stephen Grubbs of Victory Baptist Church, officiating. Burial followed in Garden Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm CST at the funeral home.
Mr. Smith is survived by his daughter, Barbara Rodgers (Darryl) of LaFayette, AL; daughter-in-law, Cindy Smith of Valley, AL; son, Steven Smith (Helen) of Cheyenne, WY; seven grandchildren, Amanda Grubbs (Stephen) of Lanett, AL: Amy Blackstock (Judson) of Opelika, AL, Craig Smith of Valley, AL; Wyatt Smith (Anna) of Lake Lure, NC, April Freitag (Chaz) of Berthoud, CO, Dawson Smith (Shaina) of Cheyenne, WY, and Logan Smith of Oceanside, CA; along with 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 67 years, Alice Murphy Smith, and son, James Michael “Mike” Smith, as well as several siblings.
Mr. Smith was born in Opelika, AL on September 10, 1927. He was a lifelong truck driver for Admiral Merchants/Jack Cole Trucking Company, Hughley Oil Company, as well as a few other trucking companies and a part-time Tree Surgeon for over 40 years. Mr. Smith had been a resident of Lakewood Senior Living, Valley, AL for the last six years and had been attending worship services in-residence, but had previously been a member of Pepperell United Methodist Church in Opelika, AL.
Mr. Smith served his country on active duty during World War II in the US Army from 1945 to 1947 with a tour in Germany as a truck driver and driving instructor, earning the WW II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.
Mr. Smith was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He was affectionately called “Daddy James” by his grandchildren (and many others), who were all very special to him.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.