James Smith

ALBA - James “David” Smith, 82, born on March 15, 1936, went to heaven on October 19, 2018 and was surrounded by his family when he passed. A native of Edgewood, Smith was the son of William Slaton and Georgia Beulah Lovelady Smith. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, (married April 4, 1955, in Van) Ginger Fowler Smith of Alba, and two sons and one daughter: Joey and Stephanie Smith of Choudrant, Louisiana; David Wayne and Danielle Smith of Smithburg, Maryland; and Jan Smith Patterson of Tyler. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Amy and Travis Edwards of Choudrant, Louisiana; Tammy and Robbie Boyd of Choudrant, Louisiana; Halie and Chris Gaw of Lufkin, Texas; Jody and Ashley Smith of Choudrant, Louisiana; James Chase Sanchez of Middlebury, Vermont; Landry and Kristyn Smith of Choudrant, Louisiana; and Olivia, Emerson, and Emma Smith of Smithburg, Maryland. He also is survived eight great-grandchildren. David is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and four brothers.
Smith graduated from Edgewood High School, Stephen F. Austin University, and North American Theological College. He served two years in the U.S. Army and spent one tour in Korea. He played football at Henderson County Junior College, Stephen F. Austin, and the U.S. Army in Korea. He retired from Tyler Independent School District after 20 years of maintenance supervision.
He spent 35 years in Christian ministry and pastored churches in Texas and Louisiana. Smith started several churches, including Lake Fork Baptist Church in 1997. He retired from Lake Fork Baptist in July 2008 and left behind 1600 church members.
Smith was well-known for his integrity, humor, and love, and even up to the end, he was able to fill a room with smiles and warm hearts. Outside of his love for the Lord, Smith was passionate about the Dallas Cowboys, even making sure to end some church services by noon so he could make it home in time to watch them play. He lived by one, simple truth: that we all deserve second chances, and this grace was embodied in his preaching and his everyday life.
His funeral will be held at Lake Fork Baptist Church, Alba, on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. with Bro. Perry Crisp, Bro. Randel Trull, and Bro. Danny Meek officiating. Visitation will be at the church 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2018. He will be buried at Lake Fork Memorial Cemetery, Alba, under the direction of Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home, Alba. Pallbearers will be Jody Smith, Chase Sanchez, Landry Smith, Travis Edwards, Robbie Boyd, and Chris Gaw.
Honorary pallbearers will be Cameron Thompson, Jay Haggerty, Tim Westervelt, and Roger Gaby.
Many thanks to his caregivers and special thanks to Dr. Katrina Duplechain for her love and care.
Memorials can be made to Lake Fork Memorial Cemetery, 9483 Hwy 515, Alba, Texas 75410.

Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home
300 W. Holley Street, P.O. Box 380
Alba, Texas 75410
903-765-2311
FAX 903-765-2512