God, in his infinite wisdom, gave human form to the spirit that was Minister James Thomas “Tommy” Smith on June 9, 1948. He was the son of Sarah Smith Harrington of Lilesville and was raised by his mother and her husband, James Frank Harrington.

Tommy, as he was affectionately called, attended school and graduated from T.W. Bennett Elementary School in Lilesville. He later attended Richmond Technical College, where he pursued an associate’s degree.

In 1970, he married Frankie Jane Lilly, and from this union, his beloved son was born, Orenthial James “OJ” Smith. He also raised a daughter, Sheila “Lisa” Chambers, and his granddaughter, Shalesa Caress Chambers.

Tommy worked as a supervisor at various local manufacturers including Kenville, Hornwood, Wansonia and Triangle Brick. He retired from the latter at age 66 and lived in Lilesville.

He was known as “Monster Man” to many and likened himself to Paul from the Bible, saying he was once the chief of sinners until he found Christ.

Tommy was most proud of his spiritual conversion and call into the ministry. In 2004, he was ordained as a minister with Bible Way Church of our Lord Jesus Christ World Wide Incorporated. He served as assistant pastor of Jesus Christ Apostolic on Rutherford Street in Wadesboro, where Leroy Hough is pastor.

He enjoyed fishing, watching sports and keeping up with world affairs. He never shied away from entering debate or pontificating on religion and politics.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Frankie Jane Lilly Smith, in 2007; his granddaughter, Shalesa Caress Chambers, in 2020; his sister, Wanda Jean Parsons; his brother, John Lee Smith; his sister, Frankie Jane Harrington; his father; his maternal grandparents, Mamie Sue and Willie Bo Myers; and three uncles.

Survivors include his son, Orenthial “OJ” Smith of Charlotte; his daughter, Sheila Chambers of the home; three grandchildren, Mahdia Richardson of Charlotte, Lenora Chambers of Lilesville and Drew Chambers of Charlotte; two great-grandchildren, Omari Chambers and Zamya Chambers, of the home, who affectionately called him “Papoo”; his mother, Sarah Harrington of Lilesville; four sisters, Marie McNeil (Steve) of Monroe; Sarah Ford (Tim) of East Spencer, Flora Maske (Leroy) of Wadesboro, and Kimberly Harrington of Lilesville; one brother-in-law, Ray Lilly of Oklahoma; three uncles; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind three special friends, Pastor Edward Walker, Rick Colson and Vanessa Deberry.

The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, January 8, 2022, 12:00 noon, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Morven, North Carolina.

The Smith Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 11:30am-12:00 noon at Smith's Memorial Chapel and at all other times at the residence of Rev. Smith's mother, Mrs. Sarah Harrington, 125 Northeast Railroad Street, Lilesville, North Carolina.

The public viewing will be on Friday, January 7, 2021 from 3:00-5:00pm at Smith's Funeral Home, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Face Mask/Coverings are REQUIRED to be worn at all times.