Jacksonville – Jimmy Lee Smith, 92, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Funeral services to celebrate Jimmy’s life will begin at 3:00 PM. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Smith Family Cemetery.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his first wife, Vernell Kellum Smith; his parents, Daniel Webster and Lillie Kellum Smith; 11 brothers and sisters; and step daughter-in-law, Donna Hart Barbre.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Shelby Routh Smith; stepdaughter, Donna Barbre (Charles) Johnson; son, John (Donna) Smith of Jacksonville; stepson, Tony Barbre of Asheboro, NC; daughter, Betty Smith (Martin) Howell of Lamar, SC; son, Daniel (Pamela) Smith of Jacksonville; grandchildren, John Eric (Ashley) Smith of Jacksonville, Megan Barbre (Wade) Lawson of Asheboro, NC, Michael (Jen) Barbre of Flat Rock, NC, Sarah Vernell Foster of Portland, OR, Harrison (Natalie) Foster of Castor, LA, Elliot Barbre of Asheboro, NC, Danielle Smith (Wesley) Brown of Chinquapin, NC, Alston (Abby) Smith of Chinquapin, Allison Hunter of Brooklyn, NY and 8 great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Andrea Lamb of Lamb’s Loving Angels and the special ladies who took care of our daddy.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations may be made in Jimmy’s name to Donate : Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina