James Franklin Smith

James Smith, 87, of Detroit, passed away Monday afternoon at Paris Regional Hospital.  James was born, May 15, 1937, in the Addielou Community of Red River County to Horace Franklin and Fannie Poor Smith.  He ran the Gatlin Family Dairy for many years along with his own cattle business.  James was the caretaker for Woodland Cemetery and on the Association Board for many years.  He also served on the Detroit School Board and an avid gardener. James was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Smith; five sisters, Pauline, Pat, Sharon, LaLa and Donah; two brothers, Gene and Butch; three step- children, Terry, Ronnie and Becky; and a great granddaughter, Jamee Willa Smith; and a step granddaughter, Jamie Boyles.

Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Rivers Smith of the home; his daughters, Linda Daniels and husband, John of Tom Ball, Janie "Shorty" Taylor and husband, Stevie of Telephone; his son, Buck Smith and wife, Terri of Detroit; sister, Johnnie Tindell and husband, Norm of Cresson, brothers, Ray Smith and wife, Vonnie of Irving and Joe Smith of the Kanawha Community; grandchildren, James Smith, Justin Allison, Lee Mahler, Heather Morris and Kristi Bryant; three step grandchildren, Jodi, Jerrad, Joshua Jessica and Brittany; great grandchildren, Hayden, Kinslee, Jaicee, Emma, Tesslee, Ellasyn, Tatum, Myla, Paylin, Brody and Owen; step great grandchildren, Leah, Jaxon, Daniel, Logan, Annabelle, Cailyn, Chloe and Luke.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 PM, Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Novice Baptist Church with Rev. Duane Falk officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.  

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM until 4:00PM at Clarksville Funeral Home. 

Pallbearers are Justin Allison, James Smith, Hayden Smith, Harlen Brown, Don Anderson and Jason Bounds.

Honorary Pallbearers are David Allison, Willis Monroe and Verlon Vaughn.

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