James Edward Smith

James Edward Smith was born November 11, 1925 in McNairy County, TN, the son of the late James Oscar and Exie LeAnn Davis Smith. He served our country proudly during WW II. He was united in marriage to Maxine Smith on June 28, 1946. Mrs. Smith preceded him in death on May 5, 2010.

Edward was a hard working man his whole life. He was a leader and visionary when it came to farming. As a Test Demonstration Farmer, other farmers would come to Edward to learn about new equipment and maintenance. He was a very good mechanic and was always maintaining his own equipment, from Smith Farms to Smith Trucking. He also owned Edward Smith and Sons Seeds. Smith Farms was one of the biggest farms in the 60's and 70's with about 2,400 acres. He also was a member of the Soybean Association and big in swine farming.

Edward also worked hard for the Lord. He served God as a minister for 57 years in North AL, North MS and Southwest TN. He held tent revivals for church planting and was a founder of First Freewill Baptist Church in Adamsville, TN. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist Association. Edward's faith in the Lord was strong and enjoyed sharing the gospel.

Mr. Smith departed this life on May 1, 2018 in Corinth, Mississippi at the age of 92 Years, 5 Months, 20 Days.

He is survived by a daughter, Dana Janniece Henderson and husband Bobby of Stantonville, TN; three sons: Nyles E. Smith and wife Doris of Stantonville, TN, Jamie Max Smith and wife Penny of Sardis, TN, Barney Dwayne Smith and wife Carol of Stantonville, TN; 12 Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Randy Smith; two grandchildren, Jim Smith and Dana Paul Kitchen; a sister, Daphen Smith.

Memorials may be made to the Adamsville Freewill Baptist Church.