James Smith

James Smith, 88, of Foothills Dr., Morganton, NC died Friday morning, June 15, 2007 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. He was born Nov. 24, 1918 in Burke County, NC, and was the son of the late Alonzo Smith and Mattie Johnson Smith Morrison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bryant Smith; and a sister, Lonnie Franklin. James was a member of College Acres Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC, and a 30 year member of the Cape Fear Lions Club where he served as President in 1980 and 1981. He was the Chairman of the Salvation Army bell ringing committee for over 20 years. James served in the US Army during World War II, and was a retired employee of International Nickel Company.He is survived by his step-children, Peggy J. Johnson and husband, Preston, of Erwin, NC, and James E. Jackson of Wilmington; grandchildren, Wayne Johnson, David Johnson, and Allison Jay; great grandchildren, Andrea Lucas and Bridgette Lucas ; nephews, Dysart Franklin, Wayne Franklin, Jimmy Franklin, and Glenn Franklin; nieces, Anne Buchanan and Lynn Franklin; a number of great nephews and great nieces; and special caregiver, Robbin Buchanan.Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or the College Acres Baptist Church, 702 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403.