James Arthur Smith, 95, passed away Wednesday morning, April 6, 2016, at Avante at Reidsville.
A funeral service will be held at 4 PM on Friday, April 8 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be performed by Rockingham County Veteran's Honor Guard.
Arthur was born January 24, 1921 in Rockingham County, NC to the late Martin Luther Smith and Texie Hopkins Smith. He served his country in the US Army during World War II. On November 22, 1941, he married Mozelle Joyce and that union has lasted 74 years. Upon discharge from the US Army, Arthur enrolled in barber school in Winston-Salem and continued in that profession until in his eighties and macular degeneration took his sight. Arthur was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed. He loved working in his garden, camping and fishing at the coast.
Arthur and Mozelle were members of Matthews Chapel Methodist Church in Stoneville for many years and later joined Hampton Heights Baptist Church in Eden where they attended until their health did not allow. Arthur served as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent at both churches.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mozelle Joyce Smith of Arbor Ridge; son, Bill Smith and wife, Joyce of Eden; grandsons, Todd Smith of Atlanta, GA and Mike Smith and wife, Katy, of Spartanburg, SC; sister-in-law, Augusta Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death, along with his parents, were brothers, Charlie Smith, John Smith, and two infant brothers; and sisters, Katie Sparks, Ollie Reid and Gladys Hopkins.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday
(3 - 4 PM) at Fair Funeral Home Chapel and other times at the home of Bill and Joyce Smith, 110 Glenwood Road in Eden.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Avante. The entire staff has been wonderful during the 4 1/2 years of Arthur's stay.
Memorial contributions, in his memory, may be made to Rockingham County Veteran's Coalition, 525 NC 65, Suite 210, Reidsville, NC 27320.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
