JIMMY ROGER SMITH

Jimmy “Jim” Roger Smith, age 78, entered Heaven’s Glory on Saturday, December 17, 2022 in Abingdon. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Mary Lou Deel Smith, who faithfully cared for him throughout his illness, and his three daughters: Michelle, Susan, and Melody who were his pride and joy. He was a lifelong resident of Dickenson County and of the Free Will Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett V. and Myrba Smith. Mr. Smith, as many knew him, was a high school science and college Biology teacher who was beloved by many in the area. He was also a dedicated school principal, and later a Supervisor for the central office of the Dickenson County Public Schools. Jim was saved when he was 10 years old and loved his Savior and his church. He was a lifelong member of Fremont Free Will Baptist Church. He played an integral part in church leadership serving as a deacon, adult Bible teacher, and leading singing. Jim took great joy in his grandsons, Paul and Josiah, as he fought to the end to see them one more day. Jim was lovingly devoted to his family and enjoyed fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Proverbs 22 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold… Humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life… Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Jim’s life reflects these verses as he dedicated his life to serving Christ through his service to his family, his friends, and his students.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Lou Deel Smith; three children, Michelle (Eddie) Edwards, Susan (Randy) Noonchester, Melody (Eddie) Mullins; one brother, Dr. Gary Smith (Teresa) from Donalsonville, Ga.; one sister, Ella Green from Hellier, Ky. and two grandchildren, Paul Noonchester and Josiah Mullins.

The family received friends Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mullins Funeral Home Chapel followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m.

A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, December 21, 2022. The family will meet at Mullins Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. to proceed to The Deel Homeplace at the end of Tivis Ridge Section with Pastor Eddie Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in The Smith Family Cemetery, Tivis Ridge Section, Haysi.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, nephews, and the men of Fremont Free Will Baptist Church. Honorary Pallbearers will be Damon Rasnick, Ken Branham, Anthony O’Quinn, Tiv Rasnick, Arlie Rasnick, Rev. Mike Rasnick, and Johnny Wilmot.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fremont Free Will Baptist Church P.O. Box 412 Nora Va. 24272. Online condolences may be made online at www.mullinsfuneralhome.net.

Mullins Funeral Home and Staff are serving the Smith family.