James Woodrow Smith Jr
JW passed away Sunday, May 17th at his home from natural causes.
He is survived by his son Kendall (Regina) Smith, daughter Wilhemina Smith Fry and grandson Dalton (Bethany) Brown. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Rahn Smith of 59 years.
JW was a devout Christian, father, husband and friend. He was loved by all who knew him. He loved helping others and being of service in any way he could. He loved his family and made it a lifelong goal to help his family thrive and grow. He touched many lives along the way.
Visitation will be held Thursday 10am – 12 pm at Families First Funeral Home with grave side services at 12:30 at Hillcrest Abbey West
Offer Condolence for the family of James Woodrow Smith, Jr. September 7, 1942 – May 17, 2026
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Diane Gross
JW will always have a special place in my heart. He was everything you mentioned in this obituary and more. Always putting others first and a deep love for his family . I will never be able to eat ice cream again without thinking of him. There were very few times he came for a visit that we did not end up at my kitchen table having a bowl along with cookies🍦🍨My heart is very heavy right now but then I think about where he is now and it puts a smile on my face. I will forever miss him💔I love your sweet family❤️
Amy Travis
JW was truly a man that loved God, his family, and his church. It was a joy to sing in the choir with him. Our prayers are with his family and the Woodlawn church family at this time.
James Garrett
I can remember the last words I had with JW. They were in the choir at choir practice, and I looked at him and told him that might not be the right book you need JW and he looked at me with a smirky smile and said, does it really matter! I’m really going to miss his dry sense of humor, and his very firm handshake. We will miss you for a while. I’ll see you later, your buddy and Friend, James
Kathy Barefoot
JW was not only loved at Woodlawn Baptist Church, he was also liked…. i always enjoyed walking out of church with him. You could count on him putting a smile on your face if you got a chance to speak! I will miss looking up in the choir loft and seeing him serving God with his talent. We rejoice that he is with our Savior and will see him again one day. We are praying for our church family and his family at our loss and Heaven’s gain.
Kathy Barefoot
Mike Jones
JW was such a quiet & gentle soul. I will miss seeing him , & singing along side him in the choir. Your work is done, rest now my friend, & l will see you later.
Bruce and Kathy Alken
JW was our Friend and fellow Christian. He was so loved and we will always have a place in our hearts for him. I loved him sitting in the choir behind me. He loved singing in the choir just like everything else he always gave it 100%.
We will miss you until we see you in heaven
Bruce and Kathy Allen
Danny Yeomans
When our SS Class dwindled down to JW and myself he volunteered to teach us. I will have many memories of those Sunday mornings when just the two of us dug into Gods word. He was always prepared to glorify God with his teachings.
He will be missed but not forgotten.
Danny Yeomans
Wayne Simpson
I had the privilege of knowing JW as a close and dear friend over the past 5 years. He lived his life loving the Lord and was totally devoted to his family. There are so many memories I will miss, including the fun times playing table tennis, billiards, card games, and many meals, all filled with laughter and banter. JW had a true servant’s heart, one that I even experienced first-hand, and he will be sorely missed by everyone he touched. We share in his family’s loss and pray they find comfort in knowing how much he was loved by so many.
Robert Duggar
I will miss JW smiling from the back row of the choir . He was willing to tackle any piece I threw at the choir (sometimes at the last minute) and I never heard him complaining. What a joy to have known him. I am sure we will sing together again over on the other shore. I look forward to catching up on all the new music he has sung.
Darline Turner
My heart is full and blessed to have gotten to know him. It’s hard to believe I had just seen him, Kendall and Gina on Saturday at their Screven property. I will miss his hugs, his smile and his wit. He embraced my family with his love and I will miss that the most. Rest on high, Mr. JW!
Ruth Linton
So my buddy, Mr. JW, has gone home. He was the sweetest man, always ready with a hug and encouragement. He will be greatly missed here on earth, but I know Mrs. Shirley was happy to see him again. He is with his Lord and I can think of no better place for one of the best men I ever knew. Love you, Mr. JW – until we meet again!
Ruth Linton
Former Pianist at Woodlawn Baptist Church
Matt Travis
JW Smith blessed me as a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in my time as pastor. On multiple occasions in that time I looked across the parking lot from my office to see his truck. Inevitably he would be working to repair something that only he had noticed. It was always a joy to talk to him and he always left a smile on my face.
Rita Wiggins
Mr. JW was such a special man of God. He always knew what you needed to hear to lift your spirits. So devoted to his church and his church family. May God grant all of you peace and comfort during this time. Think about all the good memories you share and you will be able to smile because you will know Mr. JW is watching over you and he is smiling too. – **Revelation 21:4 nkjv
Earl Sanders
Please accept our deepest condolences. “…and death will be no more..” Revelation 21:3,4. How we look forward to that time!
Nancylee and Wayne Landi
JW has a kind soul, and he made people feel welcome and happy to be with him. His love of family and God were evident in everything he did. May God grant him peace and joy in reunion with loved ones. We send sympathy to all who now miss him.
Sue Buckley
I could never thank J W enough for the beautiful rail he built in front of the church. He was so kind, thoughtful and a man of many talents. He will be truly missed and remembered by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Robin Ansley
We are going to miss JW. He was such an asset to the church and such a kind and caring person.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Chuck, Robin and Nicholas
Brook Lee
JE was the most amazing human. He had a kind heart and a kind word for everyone. I will miss chatting with him and listening to his stories. My daughters and I will miss him dearly.
Amos and Connie Powell and Family
Condolences and prayers to Kendall, Regina, Wilhemnia, Dalton and family. Mr. J.W. Smith was a true example of our Heavenly Father’s earthly servant. He will forever be in our hearts and memories. We were so thankful and blessed to have known him, so neighborly, life well lived, he always shown humility and Godly love to those he knew. Forever in and hearts and memories, Amos and Connie Powell