James Ernest Smith

Smith, James Ernest

It is with great sadness that the family of James Ernest Smith, of Decatur, formerly of Summerville, announces his death from cardiac arrest on February 2, 2012. He was born the youngest of six children on January 12, 1921 in Dry Valley, Gordon County, Ga. He was preceded in death by his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Ida Lois Crawford Smith; parents, Reverend James Arthur Smith and Dora Pass Smith; brothers, Rob Smith and Max Smith; sisters, Lois Smith Holcombe, Pauline Smith Robinson and Beth Smith Martin Barclay. He is survived by his daughters, Dr. Sherry Smith McHenry and Cathy Smith Harwood; grandchildren, Leslie Harwood Johnson and Petty Officer Second Class Christopher James Harwood and his great grandchildren, Mikayla and Connor Harwood and Reese and Carly Johnson. He is also survived by his loving friend and companion, Mary Butler and numerous nieces and nephews. James was a Staff Sargent in the 840th Engineer Aviation Battalion during WWII. He was part of the D-Day Armada and served for three years on the European front in Patton's third army. After the war, he graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering. Subsequently, he had a lengthy design and engineering career with the General Services Administration. He retired as the Regional Commissioner of Public Buildings and later he was able with his wife to indulge in his great passion for learning and travel. Funeral services will be 11:00am Monday, February 6, 2012 in the chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons with Rev. Sidney Martin officiating. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 – 4 pm at the funeral home. A. S. Turner and Sons and Crematory


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033