James Smith
James Edward “Big James” Smith, 68, died on Friday, October 9, 2015 after a lengthy illness.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to the late Clarence Smith and Lula Mae Pickett, and was also preceded in death by his brothers, Arthur Staton, Jr., Willie L. Smith, and Tony E. Pickett.
He was a member of Greater Faith Temple Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from Riverside High School in the Class of 1964 and was employed with the City of Chattanooga Public Works Department and retired after thirty plus years of service.
He is survived by his devoted companion, Belinda Drake; son, Christopher (Angela) Smith, Atlanta; Warren (Jackie), Gregory, Toran and Travis Smith, all of Chattanooga; daughter, Tonya LaShon Smith of Chattanooga; two brothers, Michael Smith, Phoenix, AZ and Vernon W. Smith of Chattanooga; three sisters, Yvonne Gardner, Lillian and Carolyn Smith of Chattanooga; sister-in-law, Marcia Smith of Chattanooga; 22 grandchildren, 17 nieces and nephews; several other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at Greater Faith Temple Missionary Baptist Church at 652 E. 10th Street with Dr. Nathaniel Carter as eulogist. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens- East. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.