A light went out on Earth for me
The day we said goodbye
And on that day a star was born,
The brightest in the sky
James J. Smith, affectionally known as Smitty age 75 of Raleigh, North Carolina (formerly of Vance County, North Carolina) departed this life on Friday, March 27, 2026, Duke Raleigh Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A Celebration of life will be held for James Smith on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 3:00pm at Warren County Middle School, the Reverend Carl Warden will officiate, and burial will follow in the Spring Green Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Smittyโs sweet, precious memories will forever be cherished by: his loving and devoted wife of almost fifty-five years, Agnes R. Smith, his son, Andreโ D. Smith (Patricia); grandchildren, Sierra Smith (Zarious), Garret Smith (Ashley), and Kennedy Smith (Connor); great grandchildren, Tristen Dillard, Zoe Smith and Zeus Wright; sisters, Sandra Brown (Amiel), Marilyn Lewis-Williams (Robert), and Carolyn Stanbeck; sisters-in-law, Ethel Davis, Betty Wiliams, Cornelia Plummer, and Barbara Bryant; brother-in-law, Gundy Richardson, Jr. (Jean); adopted brother, Ronald Richardson; aunts, Daisy Henderson, Bessie Davis and Florine Gray (Harry); uncle, Sam Smith; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
He may be viewed on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Boyd & Royster.
Professional services entrusted to Boyd & Royster Funeral Services.
Send flowers to the service of James Smitty Smith
Debra Woodard-Goodlett sent Sweet Moments for James Smitty Smith - April 01, 2026
Andre, so sorry for your loss. May you all find comfort and peace and feel his love and spirit. Jay has always spoken so highly of your dad, I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him. He had to be a great man to put up with Jays shenanigans and the two of you together.
To our dear Aunt and family, we are sending our deepest condolences and holding you all close in our hearts. Uncle will be so incredibly missed; his memory will always stay with us. Please know that you are in our constant prayers as you navigate this difficult time. With all our love, Andre & Georgette
"In Loving Memory of Uncle Smitty" With heavy hearts, we gather here, To pay tribute to a man so dear. You were more than just an uncle to us, A guiding pillar, someone we could trust. In loving memory, we say goodbye, But in our hearts, you will never die. A life well-lived, a soul now at rest, Your memory forever etched in our chest. Sincerely,
All Nieces and Nephews from the Browns, Jones, Judkins, Chavis, Vooris, Plummers, Morrison, and Estes.
For My Big Brother You showed me a lot of things. I learned a lot I didn't know, But you forgot to teach me one last thing - How to let you go. I know you didn't mean to leave me; Sometimes we have no choice. I miss being your little sister, Hearing my name called by your voice. I am glad that I got to say "I Love You" Before you were given to the sky. If God could grant me one last wish, I'd ask to say "One Final Goodbye." You always meant a lot to me. I could never love you less, I know it's true when they say, "He only takes the best." Goodbye, RIH,To my Big Brother James Smith. Sandra Smith Brown
My deepest condolences to the Smith family. I will always remember Smitty's generosity while working together at the News & Observer. May you find solace in your memories in the coming days.
Cousin Agnes and Andre, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your loss. With sympathy. - Ricky & Edryce
My dear cousin Louise, I remember Smitty as the photography man. He has left behind many beautiful photos to reflect on his memory. My deepest sympathy and may God comfort your heart.
R.I.P cousin. Deepest condolences to Agnes and the family
Agnes and Dre my prayers and condolences to you and Smitty's entire family. Rest in Paradise Cousin. ๐๏ธ๐ค๐๐ฝ
Mrs. Agnes & Dre, We are truly praying for you at this most difficult time. Please know that God will and is a Comforter. Agape Arthur & Angela Hackney
Agnes, may God embrace you in a gentle and loving manner that helps you to accept and survive losing the love of your life. I commend you for the care that you gave Smitty until the very end, never leaving his side, not even to take care of yourself. Smitty knew that he was loved tremendously. Knowing that there's no more pain and suffering will allow us to maneuver on through life without him physically here with us. But, those super great memories of him will carry us on until we see him again. To God be the GLORY for the time that we had with Smitty. Know that I am grateful for it. What a pleasure it was.
With deepest sympathy, "I recall how much time you two spent together.You were virtually inseparable.May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this heartbreaking time." The Lord will bless, comfort you & your immediate family during this time of grief. Always,Daisy & Nik
My heart goes to my Great Aunt louise.and the rest of the family.
Condolences are extended to Sister Agnes and family. "If this earthly Tabernacle dissolve, we got another build eternal in the heaven. Rev.Doris J. Jones
My condolences to the family and may the peace of Christ be with you all ๐๐ฝ
Our sincere condolences to the Smith Family. I worked with Smitty at the News & Observed for many years. He was a very respectful, kind and funny man. We will continue to pray for the family. Love Darryl & Debra Peebles
Prayers for the family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.