James Horace Smith passed peacefully from this life at the age of 85 on March 21, 2024, at Russellville Medical Center after an extended illness.
Horace was born March 14, 1939. He graduated from Phil Campbell High School in 1958 where he played baseball, basketball, and football. Horace was a hard worker all his life, getting his first job at age 13. In high school he actually drove a school bus route while he was still a student. For 50 years he was a traveling millwright, working on machinery. If tools are needed, he probably had experience with it. The hardest job he ever had was retirement, which he enjoyed most when there was something that needed fixing. He was the one we turned to if anything tore up. He was able to repair almost anything electrical or mechanical.
He loved watching Westerns, working, and when he was able, attending Alabama football games with family. He enjoyed taking care of his beloved pet, Brodie. He was known for his humility and his kindness to all. Horace was a devoted Christian and a member of Phil Campbell Church of Christ. He attended service faithfully until his health declined. His wonderful example was an inspiration to those around him.
Horace is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Linda Seay Smith; children, Sherry Smith (Rodney) and Alan Smith (Melissa); brother, Junior Smith; grandchildren, Jared Smith (Hannah), Alana Winder (Mike), Alissa Smith, Daniel Smith, Chelsea O’Dell (Case), and Chalise Cooley (Jay); great-grandchildren, Alia Smith, Alidia Smith, Smith Winder, Eli Winder, Myla Winder, Des Smith, Rhett Smith, Judson Winder, Campbell Alan Smith, Blair O’Dell, Mary Margaret O’Dell, and John Dack Cooley; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Lettora Smith and brother, James W. Smith.
As we say goodbye, we take comfort in the memories and the lessons he left behind. His spirit lives on in each of us, in the love he shared and the lives he touched. We are better for having known him, and his legacy will live on forever in our hearts.
I want to thank you for your kindness to my family and your care of Pop: Russellville Hospital Emergency Room and ICU, especially Nurse Michelle, Helen Keller Hospital, Arabella Health and Wellness, Morrow Clinic and Staff especially Ashton, Carol and Dr. Morrow, and all the sweet people at Phil Campbell Drug. If Pop was still here, he would be buying cookies for you all.
Serving as pallbearers will be Rodney Smith, Daniel Smith, Jared Smith, Don Smith, Danley Bradford, and Hayden Bradford.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow in the chapel at 4:00. Bro. Bill Woodall and Bro. Frank Richey will be officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Russellville.
