James Sampson Smith

James Sampson Smith, 81, passed away at his home early Thursday June 3rd, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.  Marshall Memorial Funeral Home will be handling the service.  Funeral Services will be held at Marshall Memorial at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 6th, 2021.  Burial will follow afterwards at Crestview Cemetery.  Brother Allan Atkins and Brother Don Cotton will officiate the service, with Todd Smart and Becky “BWOC” Walker handling the music.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Wayne Peters, Pat Allen, David Benefield, Larry Walker, Larry Shellhorse and Tony White.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Jackson, Kevin Jackson, Hunter Jackson, David Jackson, Danny Connelly, James “JJ” Taylor, Jason Taylor, Jeremy Taylor, Greg Williams, Mike Sims and Sonny Gordon.

James was preceded in death by his son Terry Glenn Smith; his daughter Sonja Joy Smith McCleod; his parents Sampson and Una Smith and brother Richard Walls.

James was born and raised in Grant until he was 12 years, then he moved to Gadsden where he attended Etowah High.  James was fixed up by one of his friends with the lovely Pat Smith.  On the day of their first date, Pat had changed her mind and decided to stand him up.  James showed up an hour early and let Pat know that he knew what she was planning.  They were married on June 4th, 1966.

James and Pat had 4 children: Terry Glenn Smith, Sonja Joy Smith McCleod; Karen Lee Marsh and Pamela Jean Smith Williams.  Their family was complete.

James was a salesman by nature, he enjoyed working with people and helping them with what they needed.  He was an expert salesman.

He is survived by his devoted wife Pat Smith; his daughters Karen Lee Marsh and Pamela Jean Smith Williams; his brother Donald Walls; daughter- in-law Paula Smith; son in law Gary McLeod; brother-in-law Tommy Jackson and 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 pm until the start of the service.