James "J.C." Smith

James Calvin Smith “J.C.”, formerly of Pageland, SC, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 10, 2008. He was at CMC-Union. Mr. Smith was the son of the late Hoyte L. Smith and the late Annie Tice Smith Snyder and step-son of the late Dwight F. Snyder. He was born in Union County on April 21, 1923. Mr. Smith served during WW II in the Army-Air Force, as an airplane mechanic Gunner and was discharged as a Tech. Sergeant of the 8th Army Air Force Base Unit. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters and Service Medal. He flew 34 missions including the Air Offensive European Theater. He was a charter member of the South Carolina DAV. Mr. Smith was known for his love of music, especially “bluegrass”. He opened the “Playhouse” in Monroe and later opened the “Sandhill Opry” in Pageland, SC. He also loved working in his flowers. He was preceded in death by three children: William Hoyte Smith, James Doug Smith and Judy Smith Tart and three sisters, also two step-sisters and one step-brother. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of 65 years: Laura Gathings Smith, two daughters, Janet S. Tucker (Eric) and Joan S. Fraley (Jimmy) all of Monroe. There are also eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, step-brother, David F. Snyder of Charlotte, step-sisters, Lib Sexton of Portsmouth, VA and Emily Mullis of Charlotte, several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 2:00 PM in the Gordon Funeral Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Jim Couick, Rev. Jack Hildreth and grandson, Joshua Fraley. Burial will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC, 28112 and at other times at the home of daughter Janet Tucker. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Union County Chapter, Firefighter’s Burned Children Fund, Inc. 2425 Lawyers Rd. West, Indian Trail, NC 28079. Gordon Funeral Cremation Service is caring for the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Published online on August 11, 2008 courtesy of Gordon Funeral Service, Inc. .