James M.E. Smith

Mr. James M.E. Smith, 81 of Lake City passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at his residence. He was a native of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama and son to the late James Edward and Luellin Hysaw Smith. Mr. Smith had lived in Lake City since 1979 having moved here from Tampa. He retired from the United States Air Force with 22 years of service including service in Korea and Vietnam and also from the Florida Division of Forestry in Lake City with 20 years of employment. He was known to his family as a great listener and was an exceptional provider for his family. Mr. Smith enjoyed woodworking and making furniture. He loved watching John Wayne movies and strumming his guitar. He was preceded in death by four siblings, William Smith, Cecil Smith, Merlene Mealer and Betty Smith.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mrs. Wilberta E. Smith, Lake City, one son, James R. Smith (Teresa), Lake City, one step daughter, Barbara Pless (David), Ocala, one brother, Charles Smith, Frisco City, AL and three sisters, Ada Richey, Bowling Green, Fl, Rita Latham, Prattville, AL and Edna Edwards, Montezallo, AL. Two grandchildren, Kevin James Smith (Diana) and Ryan Richard Smith (Alisa Hill Smith) all of New Port Richey, Fl, two step grandchildren, Tommy Moore, Tampa and Rob Moore, Ocala, three great grandchildren, Victor Dossey, D’Anthony Dossey and Devin Smith all of New Port Richey, Fl and two step great grandchildren, Austin and Piper Moore both of Ocala also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Smith will be conducted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Guerry Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday from 1-2:00 P.M.

---