Mr. James Richard Smith, 62, was born in Iredell County on January 22, 1955, and was the son of the late Raymond and Annie Bell Waddell Smith. He passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017, following an extended illness.

Pookie, as he was affectionately called, was a graduate of North Iredell High School and was a loving brother and friend. He was preceded in death by a brother, Calvin Lewis Smith and a sister, Ramona Louise Smith.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life two sons, Dametrish Thompson of Atlanta, Ga. And D. J. Smith of Statesville; three daughters, Anitha Thompson of Harmony, Brooklyn Smith of Statesville and Meica Buck of Atlanta, Ga.; four brothers, Donnie (Melissa) Davidson, Joey (Ann) Davidson and Raymond Smith, Jr., all of Statesville and Larry (Anita) Waddell of Detroit, Michigan; two sisters, Gale Millsaps of Winston-Salem and Patricia Green of Detroit, Michigan; four grandchildren, Khari McClelland of Harmony, Dysheem Hart of Troutman and Tramel Hart of Harmony; great grandchildren, Danarin, Khari, Jr., Kylan, Kamia, Kyran, Kazia and Kemali; special friends, Gloria Mills, James Gaither, Charles Davidson and Dale Millsaps; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Thursday, August 3, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home. Pastor Charles Davidson will officiate. Members of the family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m., but will assemble at the residence at other times.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.