James “Al” Smith, 87, of Rossville passed away at his residence on February 16, 2018 in the Westside community of Catoosa County, where he was a resident for 76 years. He served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning from service, he went to work at T.V.A. in the Maps and Survey division, where he retired from after 35 years of service. After retiring from T.V.A., he served on several boards within the Catoosa County government for many years.
Al was a huge baseball fan. He played on an Air Force baseball team while in the service overseas, and he continued to play softball, once returning, well into his retirement years. He looked forward every year to the start of Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves.
Al was of the Baptist faith, growing up in Cloud Springs Baptist Church, and later attended Lakeview First Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jesse and Mary Smith; and sister, Joyce Smith.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Hellen Smith; son, Jay Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park, with Rev. Matt Hall officiating.
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In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe Recreation Association.
The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.