James Ivery Smith, Sr.

James Ivery Smith, Sr, age 74, of Greenville, NC, passed away on October 8, 2023. He was born on May 16, 1949, in Whitakers, NC, to James Lot Smith and Georgia Inez Jones. James was known for his independent thinking and love for spontaneity. At the age of 18, he joined the Army and served his country honorably as a veteran of the Vietnam War. For his courageous service, James received several medals. After completing his military duties, James settled in Washington, NC, where he met the love of his life, Bettie Whitley. They exchanged vows on February 26, 1972, and together they shared a beautiful union and raised seven children. Family was of utmost importance to James, and he was a devoted father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. After retiring from TRW in Greenville, NC, James pursued his second passion, Interior and Exterior Home Improvement. S&S Vinyl Siding and Home Repair has restored and brought joy to many clients. James also had a passion and love for golf. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time on the golf course and continued to nurture his love for the game. James will be remembered as an amazing father and a loving presence in the lives of his family and friends. James leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his children: Sonja (Dennis) Williams, James Smith Jr. (Fiancée, Samantha Cooper), Mark (Veronica) Smith, Steven (Kendra) Smith, Staci (Paul) Noble, Timothy (Tanisha) Smith, Melissa (Tito) Beckham, and Fiancée, Barbara J. Stokes. He will also be remembered by his grandchildren: Xavier Smith, Rayven Williams, Jonathan Williams, Jayden Smith, Kyrie Rodriquez, Miah Smith, Andrea Smith, Isaiah Smith, Elijah Smith, Erin Smith, Nicole Savage, Donovan Noble, Ashley Smith, Lauren Smith, Devin Cunningham, D’Marquin Cunningham, Nicholas Ballentine, Michael Smith, Tien Beckham, Tirell Beckham, and Tahlia Beckham. James is fondly remembered by his great-grandchildren, Mason Artis, Karson Artis, and Aaliyah Williams. James will also be dearly missed by his surviving siblings: Gloria Moore, Jack (Callie) Jones, Linda Council, Georgia Faye (June) Lynch, Thomas (Vivian) Smith, Virgil (Brenda) Smith, Leo Smith, Larry Vaughn, Kenneth Arrington, Marietta (Ronnie) Cherry, Helen Cox, Beverly (Elton) Savage, Gwendolyn Smith, Yetta (Antonio) Bradley, Wanda (Dennis) Patrick, brother-in-law Zack Spencer, brother-in-law Melvin Chamberlain, and bonus mom Vivian Smith. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Bettie Louise Whitley Smith, his mother, Georgia Inez Arrington, his father, James Lot Smith, his bonus mom, Martha J. Smith, sister, Martha Chamberlain, sister, Carolyn Spencer, brother, Benjamin Jones, brother, Charles Arrington, and sister, Linda Gail Jones. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. James will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May his soul rest in eternal peac

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