James "J.L." Smith

Mr. James Lester "J.L." Smith, Jr., 93, resident of Pocotaligo Road near Early Branch, husband of Hazel C. Smith, passed away early Friday morning, February 21, 2025, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, after a brief illness.

Born June 29, 1931, in Jasper County, Mr. Smith was the son of the late James Lester Smith, Sr. and Nella Smith Smith.  He was a Korean War veteran and retired after working many years in civil service at Parris Island as supervisor of general maintenance.  In addition to these working capacities, Mr. Smith was a proud lifelong farmer who was known for his love of raising cattle and bragged about his cows every chance he could.

He was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Early Branch.

In addition to his wife of 71 years, Mrs. Hazel Campbell Smith, of the home, Mr. Smith is survived by three daughters:  Belinda Smith of Early Branch, Arlene Simmons of Varnville, and Sarah Shiner of Seabrook; 9 grandchildren:  Tammy Lewis (Ricky), Shannon Hutto-Altman, Brandy Conrady (Michael), Scotty Shiner (Jolene), Will Hutto (Kim), Christopher Shiner, Nancy DeLoach, Amber Smith, and Caitlin Simmons; 12 great-grandchildren:  Katelyn, Bryce, Julia, Sean, Matthew, Caroline, Dawson, Leslie, Jackson, Drayton, Saige, and Blaitnee; three great-great-grandchildren:  Mattelyn, Riggin, and Bridlen; two brothers, Legrand Smith and Gerald Smith, and two sisters, Gail Henry and Judy Whitely. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who survive.

He is predeceased by his son, Dean Smith; a granddaughter, Crystal Shiner, and three sisters, Barbara Kennedy, Nell Mixson, and Deloris Ingold.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Monday, February 24, 2025, in the Chapel of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924. Burial will follow in the Grimes Cemetery near Grays.

A visitation will begin at 10 AM lasting until the hour of service in the Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Will Hutto, Michael Conrady, Bryce Lewis, Sean Conrady, Matthew Altman, Scotty Shiner, and Ricky Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Mr. Smith's honor be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Smith family during this time.