James R. Smith, Sr.

Pontotoc - James Robert Smith, Sr., 69, passed peacefully away, Tuesday, August 10, 2010, into the arms of the Lord. Mr. Lonnie and Mrs. Lou Rebecca Smith brought James into the world, April 13, 1941. He was a member of West Main Church of Christ in Tupelo. James had become a treasured friend and brothers to many at church. Many throughout North Mississippi knew him as the Lawn Mower Man. He was a friend to all and always willing to help any way he could. The little ones at church waited anxiously for their pack of nabs from Bro. James.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Bro. Doug Greenway and Bro. Charles Tharp officiating. Private burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Dixie Lee (Payne) Smith; his daughters, Rebecca Ruth (Smith) Dickensauge and husband, David, of Gulfport and Ashlee Blaine Smith of Pontotoc; his sons, James R. Smith, Jr. and wife, Kathy, of Tupelo and Lonnie DeWayne Smith and wife, Carla, of Shannon; his grandchildren, Jessica LeeAnne Koon, Sarah Katherine Koon, James R. Smith III, Hope LeeAnn Smith, Benjamen DeWayne Smith, Christopher DeWayne Smith; one great-grandson, Damien Michael Elijah Koon; and three sisters, Jessie Duke, Marilyn Cooley, and Paulette Marcrum; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Larry Rutledge.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Pallbearers will be Terry Adkins, Eric Brown, Teddy May, Allen Wellford, Carley Ballard, and Jimmy Spencer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Craig Rutledge, E.A. Hughes, Bill Crabb, Ernest Potter, Gerry Killingsworth, and William C. Loden, Jr.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.