Lewis Smith, Jr. "LJ"

Lewis Smith, Jr. “LJ”, age 74, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2019 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  A native of Rutherford County, North Carolina, he was born on January 31, 1945 and was the son of the late Lewis and Pearl Hatcher Smith.  He was also preceded in death by one sister, Lois Brumley.

A devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, LJ enjoyed fishing, hunting, tending to his vegetable garden and going ginseng hunting.  LJ was a proud veteran of the United States Army and had served during Vietnam War. 

Left to cherish is memories are his loving wife of 52 years, Irene Smith; one daughter, Jeannie Jimison (Dwayne); two sons, Lewis Smith III and Ervin Smith (Pam); four grandchildren, Ronald Smith, Kelsey Presnell, Kayla Nichols and Brandon Smith; two great grandchildren, Sadie Nichols and Sophia Nichols; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Pastor Doug Carpenter and Pastor Travis Cooke officiating.  Interment, with military honors provided by the United States Army, will follow at Elliott Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Smith’s memory are asked to consider the Smith Family, 2170 Rutherford Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.