James Edward Smith

Mr. James Edward Smith, 92, died Tuesday morning (May 23, 2023) at his residence in Dixie Union after an extended illness.
He was born December 10, 1930 in Ware County to the late Nathan Eugene Smith and Vera Davis Smith. Mr. Smith was a 1948 graduate of Wacona High School, and he served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. In 1991, he retired from CSX Railroad as a machinist. Mr. Smith was a lifelong member of Haywood Baptist Church, but he was most recently a deacon of Jordan Church. He also enjoyed farming his land and woodworking. As a master woodworker, he helped build Haywood Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Evelyn Louise Spivey Smith; daughter, Marlene Smith; and siblings, Dorothy Dixon Ganas, J.H. "Buck" Smith, and Mary Ann Smith Bennett.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lavestle Keen of Ware County; three children, Neal Smith (Brenda) of Ware County, Sheryl Altman (Noahie) of Pierce County, and Gale Young (Andy) of Wheeler County; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one sister, Jane Smith Gunter of Ware County; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (May 27, 2023) at Jordan Cemetery in Dixie Union.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall, or by viewing the video tribute and funeral service recording at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.