James Edwin Smith, age 93, died Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at White Oak Manor in Shelby. Born in Cleveland County on May 11, 1921, he was the son of the late William Weaver and Bessie Yelton Smith. He was a former member of Sharon United Methodist Church and was a current member of Elizabeth Baptist Church. He was actively involved in the Keenage Choir and his Sunday School Class, The Master Workers. Also, Ed served on the Cleveland County Jury Commission for a number of years.  He honorably served his country in the U. S. Army during WWII. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Normandy Invasion as a member of the 182nd field artillery. He was a Salesman for CA Short, co-owner of Uptown 66, and retired from Woodbridge Golf Course. He cherished time with his family, spending time outdoors, and enjoyed bowling and watching golf. He was a faithful Man of God and set that example for his family. In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Mildred and Jim Blackwell; a brother, Calvin Smith; brothers-in-law  and sister-in-law, Donald Self, A. G. Whisnant, James Hamrick, and Max and Sarah Long.

Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rachel Long Smith; a son, Eddie Smith and wife Teresa of Shelby; a daughter, Melissa Curtis and husband Bob of Mooresboro; three sisters, Lorene Self of Boiling Springs, Virginia Hamrick of Shelby, and Margie Hayes and husband Jim of Shelby; three grandchildren, Amanda Smith, Elizabeth Canipe and husband David, and Matt Curtis; step- grandson,  Shannon Curtis; three great-grandchildren, Case, Hayden, and Seth Canipe; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Hugh and Joy Long and Wayne and Anita Long; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Dr. Rit Varriale officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends an hour before the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

The family would like to thank the staff at White Oak Manor for the great care that Ed received during his stay.

Memorials can be made to Elizabeth Baptist Church Handyman Ministry or The Home Stretch, 301 N Post Rd, Shelby, NC 28152

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Smith.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com