James Lee Smith entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 17, 2024.  He was born on April 14, 1936 to the late Clayton and Ammie Smith in Camilla, Georgia.  He was educated in Mitchell County, Georgia and volunteered to join the United States Army in 1956, where he worked half-days and went to school half-days to earn his high school diploma.  James Lee Smith served the United States honorably for 30 years, beginning as a mechanic and then was promoted as a supervisor.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and received many honors and recognitions.

He was married to Vivian Akins in 1966 in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and she traveled with him and supported him throughout his military career.  He completed tours in Germany, Japan, Vietnam and retired as a decorated Master Sergeant.

After he retired from the military, Smitty (as he was lovingly called) worked as a civilian contractor and then worked for over 20 years in the Liberty County School System as a beloved school bus driver.  During his free time, he was passionate about fishing and loved to relax with his family around the ponds of Fort Stewart and he was a great supporter of the Aisle of Hope Church.  He was a great storyteller and cook and his laughter would make the walls of the room shake.  Smitty had a huge heart and passion for helping foster children who were in unfortunate situations.  He will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

James Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Ammie Smith, his brothers, Clayton Smith, Jr., and George Smith; his sisters Mary Davis and Elizabeth Smith- Hardwick. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Vivian Smith and his son, Kenneth Smith (Christine); and his granddaughter Sarah Smith-Dijanic.  He is loved by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He has special love and respect for his longtime friends, Joseph and Sarah Lumpkin.