James Leland Smith, age 86, of Iva, SC, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Rainey Hospice House.

Born July 17, 1938, in Iva, SC, he was a son of the late Elmer J. Smith and Annie Burton Smith. He was married for 66 years to his beloved wife Carole Evans Smith until her death in 2023. He was also preceded in death by grandparents, Walter and Essie Burton, Lawrence and Elizabeth Smith; brothers, Charles E. Smith and Lawrence "L.O." Smith.

James was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving in Operation Deep Freeze. He retired from Owens Corning Fiberglas after 35 years of service to the company. He was a faithful member of Rocky River Baptist Church where he formerly served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, an R.A leader, and sang in the choir. James spent his life caring for others and was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his son, Alan L. Smith (Rhonda); daughters, Teresa Gable (Sammy), Regina Phillips (David), and Andrea Williamson (Tim); 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren including a special great granddaughter that he raised as his daughter, Emilee Biggs and one expected great grandchild; 5 great-great grandchildren; brother, Duane K. Smith (Cornelia); and sisters, Sandra Bostic and Carol Martin (Joe).

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm at Rocky River Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Brian Gray and Rev. Jerry Gray officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocky River Baptist Church, 3234 Lake Secession Rd., Iva, SC 29655, Alzheimer's Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.

The family will be at their respective homes.