James Rowley Smith, III
September 20, 1973 ~ June 19, 2017
Resided in:
Alexander, NC
James Rowley Smith, III, 43, of Alexander, died Monday, June 19, 2017.
A native of Charleston, SC, he was a son of James Rowley Smith, II, and of the late Judy Tebeau.
In addition to his father, Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Laurrell Smith; sons, Ace Smith and Titus Smith; daughter, Taylor McCarthy; grandson, Darius Armijo; and sisters Corey Pratt and Arwen Purcella and husband Aaron; sister-in-law Elizabeth Harri and husband Lee; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Mr. Smith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017, in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. Charles Shaver officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
James was a wonderful, loving man. I am praying for your family. I am here if you need anything at all. I love you, Laurrell.
My heart is sad that such a kind, caring and funny man is lost at such a young age. Though I haven’t seen JR in quite awhile, we periodically stayed connected through social media, usually with him teasing me about my fear of spiders… I will miss that… and him.
My heart goes out to you and your family at this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurrell, My heart breaks for you and your family. I pray God’s peace will be with you all during this sad and awful time, Love to you and the family
I caused a lot of trouble with james in scouts and church growing up. ALWAYS so kind and upbeat. I genuinely loved knowing he was in this world though we didnt talk much. Such a great human.
We are so sorry for all you’re going through with the loss of James. Our hearts are broken for all of you. Laurrell we Love you, and are here if you need. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
JR will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember talking him into letting me tweeze his eyebrows when he was about 14-15 we got a big laught out of that. He was at our house a lot hanging out wit Travis. What a wonderful young man!! Heavenly Father has a Heavenly Warrior with him I’m sure JR will do a great job for Him. Our Heart goes out to his beautiful family, The Lord will not leave you alone !!! All our live and prayers
The Labrums
JR will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember talking him into letting me tweeze his eyebrows when he was about 14-15 we got a big laught out of that. He was at our house a lot hanging out wit Travis. What a wonderful young man!! Heavenly Father has a Heavenly Warrior with him I’m sure JR will do a great job for Him. Our Heart goes out to his beautiful family, The Lord will not leave you alone !!! All our live and prayers
The Labrums
We are so sorry for your lose. Really hard to believe the news. I know JR will be missed by so many family members especially you Laurrell, Ace, Titus and Taylor. Our hearts to out to you today as you prepare for the hardest day of your life. I pray that God walks with you to help lessen the pain.
Laurrell, I am SO SO SO SORRY! Can’t even imagine what you and your babies are going through! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you!!
JR, you were a true gentleman and a kind soul. Thank you for being the kind of person I could be proud to have as a friend in my youth. Your time here was short, but your impact on the lives you touched will be eternal. Love to your family, your beautiful wife, and your children.
My utmost condolences at this time. I pray that you find his peace in this tragedy and use this pain to draw each other closer to Him and each other.
Laurrell, Taylor, Ace, Titus and Family,
Im so very sorry for this tremendous loss. He was truly one in a million. You are all in my heart and thoughts.
You were my big brother and my heart aches for your loss but you will always be in our hearts and you will live on through your beautiful children. Im so sorry laurrell. Please always know we love you and if you need anything dont hesitate to ask. love you all.
You were an amazing person, loyal friend, and wonderful father.
People in your life were better for having known you.
I will miss you brother.
Peace be with you, your beautiful family, and everyone who called you ‘friend’.
Laurrell, I was so sad to hear about this tragic loss! I am praying for you and your family. I would love to help you in whatever you need. Please do not hesitate to call on me. Becky has all my contact information and I would be more than happy to do anything for you. Love and prayers, Annette
James touched a lot of lives.He was funny his sense of humor was something else.He was a devoted Husband and Father,Son Brother ,Friend…He will be truly Missed by All. My Heart goes out to his Wife and sons and daughter and grandson,Family and Friends…..Fly with Angels My Friend…….
James touched a lot of lives.He was funny his sense of humor was something else.He was a devoted Husband and Father,Son Brother ,Friend…He will be truly Missed by All. My Heart goes out to his Wife and sons and daughter and grandson,Family and Friends…..Fly with Angels My Friend…….
Laurrell , Ace and Titus – my heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God hold your heart.
I have no words to comfort you. My heart bleeds for you and the boys. I am sending my love and hugs. I love you.
I am at a loss for words,,,( imagine that,, me )…James was a fine gentleman and father..great husband..We love you and the boys….We are here if you all need anything..Again,, we love you all…Praying also ……
Laurrell and family, I grieve with you and hold you in my heart.
Laurrell, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, I am praying for you and the family. If I can help you in anyway please let me know. My heart breaks for you. you can contact me through MAHEC if you need to
In His Love
Lorna
Still in disbelief that this is even real. My thoughts have been with you and I hope you can feel the loving vibes from me in Oregon. I have no words but I know the feeling of loss all too well. See you and the boys in July.
Walk in Beauty!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man. We were good friends a long time ago when he lived in southern Oregon. My prayers and condolences go out to you family.
Jr.you were a great man to have worked with at Walmart in Grants Pass,Or. I want to send condolences to the family and my prayers are with all of you.
Laurrell, I haven’t seen you in years and don’t believe I’ve ever met James. But as I read these condolences I can see he was a great guy. I do know that Layla just loves playing with your kids and has had some wonderful times at ‘Mama Linda’s’. My love and prayers are with all you guys at this sad time.
Laurrell I worked with James for the last couple of years. Every morning he would tell us about the trips that y’all had takin the weekend before. We all felt that we knew ur family from his stories. James was an outstanding guy. He luved u and his family with everything in him. Sending luv and prayers to u and ur family..
Laurrell, I am so saddened by the sudden loss of your husband. I am keeping you and your children in my prayers. If there’s anything I can do for you please don’t hesitate to let me know.
In His love,
Michelle
JR you were a kind and a great person all around, you had many great friends here at Walmart Grants Pass Oregon. I am so sorry to his wife, children, brothers and father and sister, please know that our hearts are heavy for you at this time.S
JR you will be missed, enjoyed working with you in Walmart Grants Pass store. Prayers going to your family.
Laurrell , I am so sorry for your loss , My heart goes out to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending Love Your Way
Oh Jr… I will miss you so much. Laurell and kids…you were and are his EVERYTHING. God bless you all.
In this time of sorrow, may these promises bring comfort and strength to endure the loss of James. Jehovah God is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. And he will wipe away the tears from all faces. Psalms 34:18; Isaiah 25:8 NWT. Peace be with you, dear family.
Laurell I worked with JR in grants pass he was a good friend I will pray for you and your family please know we are all thinking of you here in Oregon
Laurel, I knew JR at the Walmart in Grants Pass. When he would come into the store, he’d sneak up on me and scare me! We would always have a good laugh when he was successful, lol! Every once in awhile I was able to sneak up on him first. He always talked about you and his kids, I always knew how much he loved you all! My love and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies, he will be missed.
There are no words to soften this kind of grief. I can only offer my love and support. Prayers for strength, understanding and guidance as you embark on a new chapter in your life. This captured the love for family that you are all blessed to have. James is missed by so many. I love you dear friend. A fonation will be sent to the BSA.
Am really sorry for the loss of jr. He was a good friend and like a big brother when we use to worl together. Laurrell sending big big hugs to you and your precious boys. And hugs to his daughter andnfrandbaby. Wishing we were closer. Hugs and prayers sweetie.
James was a wonderful person and laurrell’s perfect match. Make god bless you all during this time.
Laurrell, I wish that I could say something wise and wonderful that would make your heart ache less. I hope you can be comforted by your happy memories and your darling boys.
You are all in my thoughts, I send you peace and love. Aloha
Oh, my heart is with y’all at this time. Please know that you are in my prayers as you go through this. Love to all of you, Liz Beth Fletcher
Laurrell my prayers are with you and the children. I know there are no words to help right now, But to know that you are loved and we all have you in our prayers.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & the those adorable boys. James was such a nice guy & a great dad. We enjoyed our time at the ball park with your beautiful family. I know your heart is breaking but I hope you can find some comfort in the wonderful memories you shared.
Laurrell, I can not begin to imagine the pain and emptiness you and your family must be feeling at this time I am not always the best at wording things but just know that we are all here for you and your little family.I did not know James other than seeing him with you and your beautiful boys but what I did see is how he loved your sweet babies And how happy he made you! II remember one time he came into work and had Ace with him he was just a few months old he let me hold him for a couple of minutes his eyes and smile showed how he was so in love with his son. Watching this beautiful tribute to James made me happy for all he wonderful times you and his family and friends had with James, and sad that he was taken way to soon. Hugs sweet Laurrell. We will see you soon!
Dear Laurrell. All I can say is….. I love you. What a glorious tribute.
All my love to you, and all your family. Hold each other tight now and always. Love you dearly!!
I was very sorry to hear of JR passing, I knew him at Walmart, he was always that kid that made you laugh, when you saw him he always had a smile and always acknowledged you. Prayers for his family.
Laurrell, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of helping your husband at Chetola. I loved hearing him talk about you and the kids, it was clear he adored his family. Our hearts are hurting for you and the kids. May God bless you, comfort you and give you strength.