James Arthur Smith, age 83 of Decherd, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Highpoint Health Medical Center. A native of Franklin County, James was born in Cowan on December 1, 1942, to the late Charnel and Georgia (Woodard) Smith Sr. A true patriot, he proudly served his country in the United States Marines, retiring after over twenty years of service as a Master Sergeant. James continued serving his community working for Pulaski Electric for over twenty years and driving a truck every now and then until he officially retired. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and throwing horseshoes, as well as cooking out and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers. He loved God, country, and family, cherishing the time spent with his beloved family, especially his grandchildren. James was always there for his family and friends and always had a contagious smile that lifted up those around him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Smith; daughters, JoAnn Walker and Hazel Stacey; granddaughter, Jessica Walker; and siblings, Charnel Smith Jr, Jerry Smith, Mike Smith, Sharon Smith, Mary Smith, and Martha Sue Robinson. James is survived by his daughters, Joyce Lynn (Steve) Partin and Janice (Alan) Steele; grandchildren, James (Desiree) Pierce Sr, Jacob Pierce (Xena Delgadillo), Rebecca Lynn Pierce, Timothy Steele, Elisha Young, Sean McClaughlin, Leighton Stacey, Joe William (Kim) Walker, and Brent Alan Walker; fifteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Margaret Pickett and Portia Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery with full military honors bestowed. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
