Rev. James Edward "Smitty" Smith's Obituary
Rev. James Edward 'Smitty' Smith began his life on December 10, 1954 as the fifth of six children born to the parentage of George ‘Boots’ Smith, Jr. and Lillie Mae (Thomas) Smith in Hope, Arkansas. Blessed from birth with a twinkle in his eye and a charming smile, James' infectious laughter and ability to find humor in any situation endeared him to everyone he met.
James spent all of childhood in Hope, AR and matriculated through the Hope school system. It was there in 1966, that James and his younger brother, Jimmy, were selected to integrate Hope primary schools before school integration was federally mandated in Arkansas. This experience helped James develop an unshakable will and ability to persevere over adversity. After graduating from Hope High School in 1972, James moved to Dallas, TX and began the next phase of his life.
In 1976, James earned two associate degrees in business from Mountain View College after receiving a loving nudge from his brother, Dr. Roscoe. A short time after his graduation, James joined his sister, Gwendolyn, working for Braniff Airlines. It was during this time that James met the woman that was destined to become his wife of 45 years, Tyrus (English). The two were introduced by his sister-in-love, Dr. Velma in 1977 and later married on August 12, 1978. After weathering the dissolution of Braniff Airlines in 1982, the couple learned that they were expecting their only child, Kendra Charisse. James loved being a father and would tell anyone who would listen, all the latest events in Kendra's life. In his words, he was “hyena happy, hog wild, & peacock proud” of his baby girl.
A stalwart in his faith, James loved the Lord. He & Tyrus joined Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) Church in 1999. James held many positions within the church over the years, including hosting and facilitating the church’s 1st Barbershop Ministry in 2013. His most recent assignment was serving as the fearless leader of OCBF’s Fight Night Prayer Team 6. Working with this ministry allowed James to touch countless lives and leave a permanent mark on his community.
In 1983, James joined IBM and proudly worked his way up the ranks to become the Dallas Area Facility Operation Manager. His work at IBM was very fulfilling and allowed him to enjoy a 30-year career with the company. James simultaneously enjoyed a long spanning career as a master barber. After watching his eldest brother, Rev. R.D., a licensed Texas barber, and receiving encouragement from his brother-in-love, Julius Elliby, James elected to attend South Dallas’ Graham’s Barber College in 1972. Upon graduation, he worked part-time at the Polk Village Barber Shop with brothers Ray & Eddie Shufford. In 1990, James and his niece, Jacquelyn, opened James and Jackie’s Unisex (which later became Smitty’s Unisex) in Oak Cliff. In the early 2000s, James moved his barber business to the Lancaster-Kiest Barber Shop. James followed in the footsteps of his mentor, Johnny Crawford, and joined the Texas Association of Tonsorial Artists (TAOTA) (a professional organization for Black barbers with a mission to raise the standards of the barbering profession) in 1983. James served as the Dallas Chapter President from 1985 – 1997 and was Chairman of the Board from 1988 - 1997. In 1997, he became the 7th Statewide President of TAOTA serving until 2015.
Perhaps because of his megawatt smile, James was known as the life of the party. People gravitated to him, and his presence added warmth to every interaction. His zest for life was legendary and carried over to every person he encountered. James was also affectionately known as the 'King of Selfies'. He never met a camera he didn't like and could always be counted on to snap a picture. He also took on the role of Smith/English Family historian where he captured memorable family moments filled with joy and love. (Except for that first trip to Northern California where he served as the cameraman but forgot the film!)
James loved with his whole heart and was loved fiercely in return. He was called from labor to reward on Monday, November 13, 2023. Left to treasure his memory are: his wife Tyrus (Annona), daughter Kendra Charisse (Dallas). James also leaves his sister, Gwendolyn Elliby (Arlington); and three brothers: Dr. Roscoe C. Smith (Arlington), George Smith, III (Judy) (Cedar Hill); Jimmy C. Smith (Hope, AR). A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins will all remember his love, generosity, and encouragement.
James was preceded in death by his mother, father, his eldest brother, Rev. Robert Dean “RD” Smith, great-nephew, Cecil Smith, niece, Gwendolyn Roshelle Smith; sister-in-love, Dr. Velma Prince Smith; brother-in-love, Julius Othello Elliby.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91
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