Deacon James Ira Smith, Sr.

DEACON JAMES IRA SMITH, SR., 63, of Little Rock, passed away July 26, 2018. Born in Marvell, Arkansas to Willie and Lutressa Gould Smith, he was a prominent Business owner and a Deacon for the Deacon Board of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. James loved fishing and gardening and was an avid outdoorsman. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carla Shaw Smith; children, Johnny Smith of Minnesota, Rayvern Lewis of Dallas, Texas and James Smith, Jr. (Sharon) of Little Rock; sisters, Ethel Wilkins and Katherine Gregware, both of St. Louis, Missouri; an aunt and uncle in Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Visitation is Friday, August 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be held on Saturday, August 4 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Robert Coates. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. James' online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.