Rev. James Thomas Smith Obituary in Wadesbaro at Smith's Funeral Home

Obituary For Rev. James Thomas Smith

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.

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I was deeply grieved to here of James passing. I wanted to be there to pay my last respects to such a dedicated man of God but was unable to make it due to having covid . My prayers will forever be with the family. Elder Diane Wesley, Fayetteville NC

My Prayers and Sympathy are with the Family. Betty Bennett Evans

My prayers are with the family during this time 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💖 Shirley Simon Allen

Deacon Sarah Ford and Family, Sincere Condolences to you and the Family of Rev. James Thomas Smith. Praying for comfort and peace as you journey through Rev. Smith's transition. May you always be blessed in the knowledge of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior as he comforts you at this time.

So sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. A classmate that I love visiting with when I would come home to visit.. Kathleen Bennett Gould

My condolences and prayers to the family.

Sorry for your loss, praying for the family that God will comfort each of you doing your hour of bereavement. Shirley Parker

Prayers extended to entire Smith/Harrington family. Shall always remember how 'Tommy' excelled playing basketball for "Henry Grove School". Shall be missed in Lilesville. Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant

I will never forget Tommy singing Bye and Bye growing up in the Thomas Chapel Junior Choir. Now he is singing in that Heavenly Choir!
Mae Frances Ingram Teal aka Mickey

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have many Gond memories of "Minster nan" from childhood and beyond. I was proud to call him my friend. John T and Cornelia Liles

Tommy will miss you often think of us playing basketball for Sherrod at Henry Grove School. To the family praying that God give you the strength and peace to carry on. Calvin Bennett

Sorry for you loss and may God comfort you during this time. George Robinson (classmate)and Diane (friend).

Condolences and prayers to the family of my classmates Tommy,he made our class fun. Will be missed. Min. Shirley Ratliff Cherry

My thoughts and prayers are with the family

Deacon Ford and Family, May God, fond memories, family and friends sustain you today and in the days ahead. The pain of saying "see you later" to a sibling is indescribable. Mother Harrington, keep the faith cause we will understand it better by and by! You all are in our thoughts and prayers! Yours in HIS service, Michael and Tangy Roseborough

So sorry to hear of the passing of my classmate. My condolences to the family....Vivian Robinson

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thomasina and Lee Montgomery KGGF7D9

Extending my deepest and sincerest condolences to my family. Tommy, you will be missed. Journey well.
-Nikki Harrington-Bennett

Caleb & Catherine is praying for the entire family's comfort.

Sorry to hear of the loss of Rev. Smith"Tommy". May GOD be with the Smith/Harrington family.

To the Smith and Harrington families sending my love and prayers Lord this really hurt and I'm so sorry for your loss love you all RIH Rev James T Smith

RIP!!! Comfort and prayers for the family!

Rev. Smith affectionately known as Tommy to family and friends will be greatly missed in the Lilesville Area. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone he came in contact with. When you was in his presence he always talked about his Lord and Savior and said I am not going anywhere until he calls me home. My last conversation with him was in Walmart in Monroe after our conversation he ended the conversation talking about our Lord and Savior. You will be missed Tommy.