James Edward Smith Sr., age 76, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021 at his home in East Prairie, Missouri.  He was born May 21, 1945 in East Prairie, Missouri to the late Harry Smith and Helen Myers Smith.

He was married to Carolyn Cohen Smith, who survives of the home.

James is also survived by one son, James (Holly) Smith Jr. of East Prairie; three daughters, Tammy (Ron) Yarbro of East Prairie, Rendella "Lil Boy" Smith of East Prairie and Shelly Barnes of Ozark, Missouri; two sisters, Darlene Scott and Linda Skelton, both of Anniston, Missouri; eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.  Also surviving is a special niece, Lori Hedges.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard Smith, Charles B. Smith and Curtis Dewayne Smith; and one sister, Sandra Bard.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 27, 2021 beginning at 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, with Bro. Martin Lucas officiating.

Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Scott, Trevor Bowles, Ron Yarbro, Eli McCutchen, Jim Brown and David Abner.  Honorary pallbearer will be Frank Cohen.