James O. Smith

James Olin Smith, age 69, passed away October 10, 2012, at White Oak Manor.

Born in Newberry, he was married to Brenda Shealy Smith and was the son of the late Olin Smith and Georgia Mae Smith Wilson. Mr. Smith was educated at Newberry High School Class of 1961, attended Newberry College, and graduated Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was employed at Whitaker Funeral Home for more than 45 years. He served as Deputy and County Coroner for approximately 25 years. He was a member of The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and was past member and president of church council and other various church committees. He was also a member and officer of numerous clubs and civic organizations statewide.

James touched the lives of many with his smile, concern and compassion for others. He is survived by his wife, Brenda S. Smith, two sons, Dustin (Sarah) Smith of Lexington and Ashley (Amanda) Smith of Columbia, four wonderful grandchildren, Isabel, Sam and Lucy Smith of Lexington, and Norah Kate Smith of Columbia, five sisters, Evelyn S. (David) Crumpton, Rita (M.C.) Yarbrough of Newberry, Ruth S. Wilson of Pomaria, Grace S. Thomas and Jean S. (Niles) Jackson of Lexington, one brother, John W. (Ann) Smith of Newberry and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father, mother and step-father, R. C. Wilson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012 at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, October 12, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:00 at McSwains-Evans Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Lee Foster, Jerry Wright, James Andrews, Lewis Lee, Huger Caughman and Mack Garner.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Newberry County Law Enforcement Association, Newberry Fire Department, Employees of White Oak Manor Unit #3, and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Men’s Bible Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made to The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1515 Boundary Street, Newberry, SC 29108, Newberry County Humane Society, PO Box 485, Newberry, SC 29108 or a charity of their choice.

Special thanks to the Tri-County Hospice and White Oak Manor for the excellent care given to James for the past several years.

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