James T. Smith

James Thomas Smith, 87, died Wednesday, February 17, 2016. He was born in Cedartown, Ga, and was the son of the late Benjamin Wesley Smith and Lena McCamy Smith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings Myra Smith Carden, Opal Medlock Smith, Margaret Smith Henderson, Ben Smith, Don Smith, Lamar Smith and Bill Smith.
He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church. James loved his family, and was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha Fuller Smith and daughters and sons in laws: Vicki & Bill Smith of Athens, Jeana & Carlas Allgood of Watkinsville, and Angela & Duke Llewallyn of Watkinsville; grandchildren: Stephanie Smith & Ray Perez of Athens, Sarah & Bryan Ackerman of Watkinsville, Matthew & Sarah Allgood of Augusta, Ga, Christy & Andy Jordan of Athens, Justin Llewallyn of Watkinsville & Rachel Llewallyn & Jeremy Wilson of Watkinsville; great grandchildren: Gracie Daniel, Ben Ackerman, Will Ackerman, Andrew Llewallyn, and Jake Perez.
James retired from Kroger after 43 years of service, where he began working as a produce clerk and worked his way up to store manager. After retirement James volunteered at Northeast Georgia Food Bank, visited shut ins at local nursing homes, and took wood working classes at Gainesville Technical College. He enjoyed using his new found skills making furniture and other wood projects for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He was a member of the Lake Lanier Chapter of the Power Squadron where he and the family spent many enjoyable times on Lake Lanier boating and skiing. He was a life long member of the Methodist denomination and served many roles in the church. One role near and dear to his heart was being a youth leader along with his wife Martha. During James' life he continued to work with young adults at Kroger and church, and relished being a part of their lives. He was a member of Jaycees and Lions Club while living in Gainesville, Ga, as well as, the Elks Club in Athens, Ga.
Pallbearers will be grandsons: Matthew Allgood, Justin Llewallyn, Bryan Ackerman, Andy Jordan, Ray Perez, and Jeremy Wilson.
Funeral Services will be held at the Chapel of Lord and Stephens West on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 3 PM with Rev Bill Curington of St. James United Methodist Church officiating.
Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Athens, GA.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 pm on Saturday, February 20 at Lord and Stephens West.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St James United Methodist Church, American Heart Association, Northeast Georgia Food Bank, and St Mary's Hospice House.