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James Wayne Smith
1942 - 2025
BORN
1942
DIED
2025
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James Smith Obituary
James Wayne Smith was born on December 18, 1942 in Marked Tree, Arkansas. He Entered
into Eternal Rest on October 30, 2025 in Visalia, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Evelyn Smith, his sister Glenda Ramirez, and his grandson Landen Duke.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorna Smith, daughter Lynn Duke and her husband Brian, son Jamie Smith and his fiancé Nicole Teran. Five grandchildren Delaney Smith, Braden Duke, Bronsen Duke, Daylen Smith, and Isaiah Teran, and great granddaughter Layla Smith.
His sisters Joella Moore, Barbara Bream, Betty Pendola and his brother Roy Smith and his wife
Verna.
Wayne was employed at Porterville Developmental Center for 38 years. He started as a Psychiatric Technician and ended his career as the facilities Energy Analyst.
Over the years his hobbies included wood working and construction, riding his Harley, rebuilding a 1939 Plymouth truck, and attending car shows. He also enjoyed watching and supporting high school sports, especially if his grandchildren were involved. He and Lorna loved traveling in their
fifth wheel on trips around the United States with family and friends. His most recent interest
was going to the casino.
A service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1164 N. Newcomb Street, Porterville on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00a.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes for donations to be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for James Smith
Funeral services provided by:
Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel - Visalia127 East Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277
Memories and Condolences
for James Smith
Sponsored by Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel - Visalia.
3 Entries
David Prestage
Yesterday
Enjoyed many motorcycle rides with Wayne, the longest being a tour through a number of southwestern states. Really admired his woodworking abilities. Good man. Condolences to Lorna.
Roger Wright
Yesterday
I have allot of good memories of Wayne. I´ll never forget his laugh when He, Tom Tinnel & I were in So Cal on a business trip. Afterwards we looked for an early car part dealer. We went all over getting lost but Wayne was our main guide and laughed so hard at every wrong turn. We eventually found the shops! Miss you Bro!
D Kelsey
Yesterday
I remember working with Wayne at the Porterville Developmental Center. He had a good sense of humor. Kind family man. Debby Lee Kelsey
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