Deacon James Weldon Smith transitioned peacefully on July 6, 2023 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby, NC. He was born on June 6, 1941 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Albert Smith, Sr. and the late Elvira McCluney Smith.

Deacon Smith attended Camp High School. He was employed with Overnight Transportation in Gaffney, SC for 32 years. Deacon Smith was a light that guided the path of his family. He was the role model that taught respect and guidance to his children and grandchildren. Deacon Smith was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Earl where he was an assistant chairman of the Deacon Board; member of the Senior Ambassadors, Men’s Ministry and All Male Choir until declining health.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, André Lavar Smith; a son-in-law, Carlos Owen and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Madge Roberts.

Left to cherish fond memories, his wife of 46 years, Frances R. Smith of the home; two daughters, Debra Smith Owen of Gastonia, NC and Tina Smith of Shelby; four sons, Rickey Smith (Tiffney) of Shelby, James Scott Smith of Seattle, WA, Jonathan Strong (Donna) of Kings Mountain, NC and Timothy Todd Strong (Cassandra) of Shelby; a grandson raised in the home, Josiah K. Smith; brothers, Benny Smith (Julia Mae) and Gary F. Smith (Catherine) both of Grover, NC, Raymond Smith (Pat) of Vancouver, Canada, and Albert Smith, Jr. of Grover; sisters, Mandy Hopper of Grover, Retha Peak of Dallas, NC and Betty Smith of Grover and a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church Earl. The service will be live streamed starting at 1:45 PM from Enloe Mortuary’s Facebook page. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM and at other times at the home on Monday July 10th, Tuesday, July 11th and Wednesday July 12th from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com.