After a long and well-lived life, Mr. James Lewis Smith, affectionately known as “Smitty,” entered into glory on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his home in Lillington, surrounded by family, music, and love. He was 85 years old.

Born at home in Harnett County, Smitty was the son of the late Louis Bethea Smith and Flora Mae Black Smith. He grew up in Lillington and graduated from Lillington High School.

In his younger years, Smitty spent countless days roaming the back roads of Harnett County, collecting adventures, memories, and stories that he would share for decades to come. His adventurous spirit eventually carried him around the world during his service in the United States Navy, where he circumnavigated the globe and completed two Mediterranean cruises.

After returning home to North Carolina, Smitty built a successful career as a Facilities Maintenance Contractor in Raleigh, a profession he faithfully pursued for more than forty years before retirement.

Smitty had a lifelong love of music. Whether sitting at the piano or singing one of his favorite songs, music was never far from his heart. He also enjoyed fishing, searching for arrowheads, making wine, antiquing, rock tumbling, and spending time outdoors. He was endlessly curious and always happiest when he was tinkering with something, exploring a new interest, or sharing a story.

To know Smitty was to know a friend. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, whether at the grocery store, most likely near the lottery machine, or at the post office. His gift for storytelling, quick wit, and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Judy Clifton Smith; his son, Danny Lewis Smith; his brothers, Robert “Bobby” Smith and Alvin Roosevelt Smith; and his sisters, Christine Vinson, Lillian Moore, and Virginia “Jean” Upchurch.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Vivian Smith; his high school sweetheart, Pat McKee; his sons, Scott McKinley Smith and wife April, and Paul Bethea Smith; his grandchildren, Dustin Smith, Brandon Smith and wife Whitney, and Stormy Smith; three great-grandchildren; his adored cat, Molly; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

Though his stories have come to an end, the laughter, the music, the lessons, and the memories he shared will continue to be told by those who loved him.

In honor of Smitty’s vibrant spirit, love of travel and music, and his iconic collection of Hawaiian shirts, the family invites those attending to wear a Hawaiian shirt or floral attire if they wish.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the funeral home with Rev. Wendy Tingle officiating. Burial will follow at Summerville Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Liberty HomeCare and Hospice, 105 Hunt Valley Drive, Dunn, NC 28334. Please indicate Hospice of North Carolina with your donation. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=03ef18fd-4429-48fd-8f53-cd68725d6fcc&envid=p-bwVhzylwSUiyoYTPj1Ezhw&zone=usa&_ga=2.136007985.1451071966.1781007918-385526239.1781007918