James Howard Smith

Funeral services for Mr. James H. Smith will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Brother Andrew Black and Brother James Rickles officiating. Burial will be held at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Smith, age 83, of Toomsuba passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

James was a devoted church member of Salem Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He worked as a Crew Leader at Gulf States Paper Mill in Demopolis for 50 years, then enjoyed helping "Nana" with the babies. He took pleasure in taking all toddlers to the stock yard on Mondays to see the cows. He loved his Lord, his family, and his church so well. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by children, Tammy Smith of Toomsuba, Mississippi, Melodie (Charles) Black of Toomsuba, Mississippi, and Wendy (David) Martin of Thomasville, Alabama; grandchildren, Shane (Rissie) Martin, Chase (Katie) Martin, Cassidy (Griffin) Phillips, Andrew (Rachel) Black, Camden Martin, and Blair (Trevor) Shirley; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Kathryn Allen and Lanie Keahey; caregivers, Twannie Scott, Belinda Benthal, and Lori Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leslie Ann Smith; parents, Marshall and Janie Mae Smith; one brother, John Smith.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Harper's Hospice (Chasity McGraw and Mary Ann Joiner).

The family requests memorials be made to Salem Baptist Church.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the funeral home.