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James SMITH Obituary
Bo was born to Edna and William Daniel Smith on February 4, 1925 in Florence, South Carolina. He was the youngest of their six children, which included his brother, Bill, and sisters Frances, Mable, Bea, and Virginia, or "Tunk." Bo served during European operations in WWII, and was a 55-year Mason.
Bo and Barbara Smith married in 1952, and together raised their three sons, Boo, Earl and Leigh in a warm, love-filled home close to the banks of the James River in Newport News, Virginia. It was a place filled with music, neighbors, noise and the blur of children. Bo was proud of the home he provided for his family.
From childhood, Bo was enchanted with music. He became an accomplished drummer and vocalist – twice filling in with the Gene Krupa Orchestra when the fabled drummer and bandleader was unable to perform. Bo's combos played throughout South Carolina, and the Boardwalk at Myrtle Beach especially resonated with the swing music Bo and his band-mates blasted. Tidewater, Virginia was also treated to Bo's music through, among others, the Jap Curry and Jett Rollo Orchestras.
Remembering Bo with gladness are his wife, Barbara, his sons and their wives Julie (Boo), and Liz (Earl), and his grand-daughters Hannah Bo and Mason Elizabeth. Nieces, nephews and their parents in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Woods Hole, Mass. fondly recall how the world was lighter when "Bobo" was near. A celebration of Bo will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, September 5, in the chapel at the Masonic Home of Virginia, 500 Masonic Lane, Henrico, VA 23223.
In honor of Bo Smith, make someone laugh. Hear something in a song you never heard before. And if you wish, please make a gift to the Masonic Home of Virginia. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James SMITH
Your Mom and Ryleigh
Morgan
August 31, 2012
Earl and Boo: Beautiful picture of Bo as a singer. I had always forgotten that aspect, as he taught me drums over 43 years ago, and I am indebted for life to his generosity for his patience as well as your Mom for letting me learn the skins as she sat downstairs each day after school hearing me learn. I sent Boo a few memories via Email that I hope he shared with you. Anything that needs to be said will be in person Wednesday,
You and I both know the humor, but his generosity and patience always stays with me with his teaching me the art of music.
See you this upcoming week with all our family, and I will share some of my best memories.
Much love to the Smith Family, as we are all Family.
By the way, I am the one who threw out the hundred dollar bill with the Christmas trash that night, might as well fess up now. hehehehe......just joking. In honor of Bo, levity rules.
You may forget, but both Bo and Barbara took care of me as their own when I was a baby. Your parents hold just as much respect as my own parents, and their love of me cannot be return in such a fashion.
He lived a good life, and the stories and wisdom he shared with me, I will share with you this next week.
Georgia Clark Mann
August 30, 2012
The Clark Family was so sorry to hear about Bo passing away. What a talented and gifted man! He was a lot of fun and always had a smile on his face and as a child I remember his teasing. We remember and miss Bo and the Front Porch Gang playing every 4th of July. They truly made the day special! Boo, Earl, Barbara and family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Earl Smith
August 29, 2012
Thank all of you for your kind words in this difficult time. Judging by your memories, you seem to have known Bo very well. From the ever-present smile, to the sometimes uncomfortably bad jokes, to the Boy
Scout camping trip "thrill rides" in our old family station wagon. It truly was a wonderful life just being around him. Our family hopes to see you soon. We love you all.
Tankpants
August 28, 2012
Bo Smith enriched the lives of all who knew him with his sense of humor, warmth and enthusiasm. When you became friends with Leigh, Earl and Boo Smith you got a bonus.....their parents. The home that Bo and his wonderful wife Barbara made was in some ways the heart of Brandon Heights during their long residency there. It's hallmarks were hospitality, creativity, laughter and love. If you were lucky enough to be a friend, you not only felt welcome at their house, but as if you belonged. For 30 plus years the family hosted a 4th of July party that was legendary. Bo and the Front Porch Gang created a little magic each year when they played their Dixieland favorites for the crowd. It was a privilege to know Bo, and I am so saddened by his passing. Thank you Bo, for everything.
August 28, 2012
Bo was my Great Uncle by my Grandmother, Virginia Smith Bristow (aka "Tunk"). The few times I was lucky enough to meet him, I remember him fondly as a very happy, fun, and joyful person. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the rest of the family at the time. I know my Grandmother loved him dearly and always looked forward to his visits in the years passed. God bless.
Jim & Beth Fulgham
August 27, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Darcy Pepe Center
August 27, 2012
Bo, Earl and Mrs. Smith,
I hope the memories and happiness that you have in your hearts helps you during this painful time. My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Vicki and Tim Barrett
August 27, 2012
I was lucky enough to have some time with Bo during Smith family gatherings. He always made those times delightful.
Thanks, Bo.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Jim Eacho
August 27, 2012
I was so sad to hear of Bo's passing. Always kind, smiling and funny! Among other great memories, I will forever remember the July 4th gatherings and the great music, food and fellowship with the Smiths. God bless Bo's soul. My love and sympathy to Barbara, Boo, Earl and the entire family.
August 26, 2012
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I'M SORRY TO HEAR OF BO'S PASSING, I KNEW HIM FROM BACK AT CHESAPEAKE AUTO SUPPLY . HE WAS A HECK OF A NICE GUY , ALSO EARL WORKED WITH ME AT THE STORE . MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY , CARSON NAPIER
Jimmy Davis
August 26, 2012
So sorry to read of the passing of Bo. I hope Boo and Earl find comfort in all the memories left behind from this warm, delightful, special man. Being fortunate to have grown up across the street from Bo, he filled my childhood with many, many wonderful experiences - I could write a book. Thanks, Bo. You will live in our hearts, forever.
Michael
August 26, 2012
I always loved being around this great guy. One of the warmest, friendliest people that I've ever known. What an honor it was to know him.
Love from the Garretts to the Smiths.
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