James Albert Smith Sr.

The family of Mr. James Albert Smith, Sr. gratefully acknowledges all expressions of sympathy shown during their time of bereavement and loss. May God continue to richly bless each of you.

Mr. James Albert Smith, Sr., known to most as "Albert," age seventy-one, departed this life and passed away peacefully and entered into eternal rest Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He was born March 31, 1954 in Person County to the late James D. Smith and Beulah Hawley Smith, was a Veteran (Retired) of the United States Navy where he proudly served for twenty-four years and was a member of Lawson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from Person High School.

Following his military career, Albert returned to Roxboro and began a new chapter as a truck driver for U.S. Xpress. He later continued his career at Central Regional Hospital until his health began to decline in October, 2011.

Albert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose love and wisdom touched the lives of many. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his sense of humor and the deep pride he took in his family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, James Albert Smith, Jr.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, his loving wife, Donna J. Smith of the home; one brother, Curtis Smith (Lillian) of Roxboro, North Carolina; three daughters: Sulisa Smith of Woodbridge, Virginia, Victoria Jones of Clayton, North Carolina and Kia Pratt (Steve) of Durham, North Carolina; grandchildren: Kianna, Justin, Asiah, Ayden, Lauren, Kaleb and Senovia; one great-grandson, Karmelo; his mother-in-law, Katie Jones of Oxford, North Carolina; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Jerry Jones (Theresa), Daphne Allen, Maxine Kibler and Cheryl Jones, all of Oxford and Phillip Jones (Opal) of Lancaster, Texas; beloved nieces and nephews: Crystal McGhee of Roxboro, Letasha Hooper (Steven) of Franklinton, North Carolina, Ronald Smith and Eric Smith, both of Roxboro; first cousins: Mattie Edwards, Virginia Massey, Essie Frances Lee and Marva Press; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 12:00pm at Cunningham & Associates Funeral Services with the Reverend Daphne Allen, Associate Pastor at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, providing the eulogy. Burial with military honors will follow at Smith Family Cemetery, 138 Peter Byrd Road in Roxboro 27574. Visitation will also be Thursday at the funeral home from 11:00am to 12:00pm when his body will lie in state for one hour prior to the service.

At other times, the family will receive visitors at the home, 6533 Ben Thorp Road in Oxford, North Carolina 27565.

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