Jimmy Eugene Smith

Jimmy Eugene Smith, age 79, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  The son of the late Franklin and Martha Lou Pope Smith, he was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on February 24, 1941.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Letterman, Glenda Boyd and Ethel Smith.

A member of Drexel Christian Center in Drexel, Jimmy, who loved being outdoors, enjoyed fishing with his “girl” and keeping his hands busy doing “odd jobs”, especially in the yard. 

Having just had his 57-year anniversary on December 21st, Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Polly Lanning Smith; two sons, Timothy E. Smith (Lisa) and Kevin Craig Smith; one daughter, Karen Ricker (Brian); and two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Fritts (Ben) and Kierstyn Ricker.  He is also survived by nine siblings, Junior Smith (Betty), Robert Smith, Eddie Smith, Ella Clark, Kenneth Smith, Troy Smith, Annie Stewart, Carolyn Randolph (Steve) and Johnny Smith (Jamie); a number of nieces and nephew; brother-in-law and best friend, Jim Boyd; canine companions, Jake and Benji; and his bird, Pee Wee.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory. 

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Tim Smith officiating.

Those who are attending the visitation and/or graveside service, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, are encouraged to wear a mask and exercise social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Smith’s memory are asked to consider, The American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, Maryland 20852 or by visiting www.kidneyfund.org.