Reverend Gene "Jimmy" W. Smith

Reverend Gene “Jimmy” W. Smith, age 81, of Forest City, went home to with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

Gene was born Friday, February 4, 1944 in Rutheford County to the late George Willie Smith and Frances Bradley Smith. He served his country in the National Guard for many years and was a graduate of Fruitland Bible College. He worked in manufacturing and maintenance for most of his life, but his passion and calling in life was to preach God’s Word. He was an avid student of the Bible and loved to witness of God’s grace to others. Gene enjoyed collecting trains, watching NASCAR and was a Dale Earnhardt fan. Gene was a current member of Smith Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amber Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of almost sixty years, Betty Smith; sons, Dusty Smith (Kristie) of Haywood County, NC, Shannon Smith (Billie) of Ellenboro and Chad Smith (Donna) of Bostic; sister, Wanda Miles of Rutherfordton; twelve grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

According to Gene’s wishes no formal services will be conducted.

Memorial donations are requested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org