James Franklin Smith, 89, of Huntsville, passed from this life on January 30, 2015. He was born and raised in Toney, Alabama. At the age of 18 he entered military service with the Army Air Corp during World War II. S/SGT James Smith fought in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was engaged in six campaigns with the 400th Bombardment Squadron serving as a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator. In civilian life James worked in sales with Dilworth Lumber Company for 33 years, before retiring in 1978. He was also an entrepreneur and businessman owning commercial property in Huntsville.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Frances Aleene Camper Smith; parents, Artie Ross and Ethel May Hall Smith; sisters, Irene S. Hughes and Mary Rozell Franklin; brother-in-law, Claud William (Billy) Franklin.
Survivors include one son, Anthony F. “Tony” Smith of Huntsville; daughter, Deborah Cohran and husband Larry of Douglasville, GA; two grandsons, Paul Cohran and Davin Cohran; and brother-in-law, James A. Hughes of Huntsville.
Visitation will be from 11:30 to 1:30 Saturday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Huntsville Memory Gardens with Reverend Paul Clutts officiating.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
