Jimmie C. Smith's Obituary
SMITH, JIMMIE C. second son of Clyde James and Laura Towns Smith, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. Jimmie was one of nine children, and was born on June 27, 1921 in Bienville Parrish, Louisiana. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 9, at 10:00 AM at Restland Wildwood Chapel in Dallas, Texas. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and mother of his children, Marie Bayles Smith; a son, Jimmie Charles Smith; brothers, Clyde James Smith, Jr., and Melvin Ray Smith. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty; his daughters, Sharon Ann Nichols and Charlotte Marie Smith of Dallas; stepdaughters, Brenda Rogers, Candy Hays and stepson Corey Hays; brothers, Albert Sidney Smith, Rudolph Smith and wife June of Bossier City, La., Don Smith and wife, Barbara of Arcadia, La.; sisters, Anna Laurie McCleish and husband Dolph of Monroe, La., Martha Sue Goodnight and husband Bill of Sterlington, La. and Gloria Jean Bramlett and husband Alvin of Arcadia, La; sister in law Thelma Smith of Shreveport, La. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jimmie attended school in Bienville, Louisiana and later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana and finally to Dallas, Texas. A businessman until his final retirement in his 80’s, he was successful and did not relish the idea of retirement so he just changed jobs. At 91 years young, Jimmie was still driving and taking care of business as usual. The business being “family”. Family was Jimmie’s number one business after retiring three different times. He became the person who made sure everyone had breakfast, made sure dinner was served on time, grew the tomatoes in the summer, took some of the grandchildren to school every day, took them to their extracurricular activities, doctor appointments and made sure those who needed a wake-up call, received one, made sure all of the doors were locked at night, political expert and commentator to all who would listen, food critic (who was NOT critical), partner in crime with his wife, Betty, and stayed tirelessly by his son’s bedside until he was gone to be with his beloved mother who had gone before him. He easily played “Mr. Mom” any time it was needed, whether cooking, cleaning, or taking care of children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his love of family, calmness of spirit, his generosity, having a positive outlook on life and sense of humor, his impish smile and a sparkle in his eye that would light up the room. Jimmie worked in sales until the start of World War II when he felt led to do his part in the war effort. Unable to serve in the army because of health conditions, Jimmie went to work at Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant. When the war ended Jimmie dove back into the business world, eventually excelling in owning his own company as a food broker in Dallas. It was here in Dallas that Jimmie and his late wife, Marie, raised their children, Sharon, Charlotte and Jimmie Charles. Later, Jimmie met Betty while attending Sunday School and they joined their families as one with the addition of Betty’s children. Jimmie and Betty shared many happy years together, traveling and enjoying their families. The most important thing to remember about Jimmie is that he was a Christian and led an exemplary moral and Christian life. He most certainly had a heart with a very large capacity to love because he loved every single person in his family and extended family. He loved them all equally and unconditionally. Well done, thy good and faithful servant, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, step grandfather, great grandfather, brother, Uncle, friend, peacemaker, confidant, Daddy and Poppa Jimmie.
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