James C. Smith, Sr.

Funeral services for Mr. James C. Smith, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, with Bro. Buster Jordan officiating.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until service time.  Burial will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Flora, LA. James Clayton Smith, Sr., 87 years of age and resident of Natchitoches, passed away on October 13, 2019.  He was born on August 28, 1932, in Flora, La to James and Clorie Smith. James retired from the Air Force (BB Stacker) after 20 years of service with the rank of TSgt. He served in the Korean War and was a Vietnam Vet.  He also retired from the Natchitoches school system after 20 years.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, John Smith. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Willie Mae Wilson Smith; sons, James C., Jr. and wife Doris of Natchitoches, Tim and wife Iris of Robeline, LA, Dan and wife Terri of Smithville, TX, Mark and wife Ola of Ball, LA, Mike of Flora, LA, and daughter Pam and husband Robby Ellerd of Gladewater, TX.  He was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Rickie Smith, Chris Smith, Brice Smith, Alex Moran, Hayden Richardson, and Chase Richardson. Thank You to all the Natchitoches Hospice caregivers who have helped us through the pain and apprehension as we watched our father going “home”. I can never thank you enough for the kindness and care that you have shown not only for my father but for all of us as we stood watch over him. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Mr. Smith to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.