James S. Smith Sr.

James S. Smith Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - James S. Smith Sr., "Smitty," 72, of the 3500 block of South Plaza Trail, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness Feb. 25, 2009, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, surrounded by his family. Born in Scotland, N.C., he retired after 25 years from ILA Local 1248 and was a longtime member of Union Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, where he served faithfully on the male usher board. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Ruby Smith; two sons, James Smith Jr. of Virginia Beach and William Smith (Tanisha) of Portsmouth; two daughters, Sherri Zachery (Jerald) of Buford, Ga., and Jannis Hawkins of Richmond; three sisters, Martha Lawrence of Norfolk, Clara Hyman of Charlottesville and Frances Lawrence of Chesapeake; one brother, Ralph Smith of Charlottesville; four grandsons; one granddaughter; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Union Baptist Church, 4608 South Blvd., Virginia Beach, with the Rev. William S. Walton officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. The family will receive friends Monday 6 to 8 p.m. in Metropolitan Funeral Service, Berkley Ave. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.