Mr. James O’Neal Smith was born December 8, 1946 to Ms. Harvey Mae Johnson in Grapeland, Texas.
James was raised by Mr. R.H. (Bigboy) Smith in the Grapeland Community and attended W.R. Banks High School. As a young boy James was a great boxer who came close to having a professional career in boxing.
James was a hard worker and a great provider for his growing family. He worked for Vulcraft and later Bartee Construction until his health began to fail.
James was a quite soft-spoken man, who loved to talk and share family history with his children. He could talk for hours about his relatives and growing up in Grapeland back in his days.
James loved his wife’s cooking and looked forward to monthly family dinners, playing dominoes and Wednesday and Saturday Lotto scratch offs. He dreamed of one day hitting the Jack Pot!
James instilled so much in his children, teaching his daughters how to pump gas, check their oil, tires and how to be independent women.
He was the patriarch of the family and loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grands. He was a true hero who will be greatly missed.
James transitioned peacefully on September 1, 2021 at Elkhart Oaks Nursing Home.
James is preceded in death by both parents, R.H. Smith and Harvey Mae Johnson; brothers Carl Ray Eddington, Albert Smith, Tommy Smith; sisters Margie Eddington Mims, Diana Eddington Reynolds.
Left to continue his legacy is his wife of 53 years, Addie Walker Smith; sons James O’Neal Smith, Jr., and O’Neal (Alexandria) Smith, both of Grapeland, TX; daughters Etta Smith, Houston, TX, Victoria (David) Davis, and Maggie Smith, both of Grapeland, TX; brothers Henry W. Smith, Midland, TX, Robert H. Smith, and Otis Eddington Jr. both of Albuquerque NM, Juelin (JayDee) Eddington; sisters Reta B. Gossett, Mesquite, TX, Delois Moore, Lubbock, TX, Rita K. Adams, Mexia, TX, Yakena Eddington Bursey, Grand Prairie, TX; fifteen (15) grandchildren, (10) great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation: Friday, September 10, 2021, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Walker & Walker
Service: Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Rising Star Baptist Church