James Lee Smith, age 76, of Robbinsville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on May 31st, 2021.
“Jimmy” was a 1963 graduate of Robbinsville High School, where he played football as quarterback for the Blue Devils. After graduation, he volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps and served two tours of duty as a Marine Infantryman in Vietnam. Jimmy received the Purple Heart medal for injuries sustained in combat and was discharged from active duty as a Sergeant in 1967. He went on to a distinguished career as a “telephone man” for Southern Bell/AT&T and Bell South, holding numerous positions and titles with each company. He retired from Bell South with 25 years of service.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Carpenter Smith; his brother, Jack Smith (Celie); and his sister, Louetta Blackstock (Harvey). He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Ann Wiggins Smith; their son, James Melvin Smith (Jessica); his grandchildren, David, Nicholas, and Charlotte; his brother, Ray Smith (Dotty); his sister, Evelyn Reighard (Gene); and his brother, Billy “B.J.” Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the Townson-Smith Chapel. Reverends Patrick O’Dell and Kenny Ball will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 pm Saturday, at the Chapel, prior to the service. Burial will follow at Wiggins Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by the Marine Corps Honor Guard.
Due to the risk of exposure to COVID, face coverings are required for those attending the service who have not been vaccinated.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Smith Family. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.