James Thomas “JT” Smith

DURHAM James Thomas Smith, 75, better known as JT died on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at his home, after several years of declining health. He was born on February 10, 1941, the fourth of five children to Jesse Smith and Minnie Lassiter Smith in Roanoke Rapids, NC. JT and his family moved to Henderson, NC when he was a young child. Along with his family, he moved to Durham when he was twelve, where he lived out the remainder of his life. His entire adult life was spent working in the tile and floor covering business. After working during his early years for Buddy Goss Flooring, he partnered with Leon Goss in owning and operating G & S Floor Coverings. In later years he was co-owner of Lorraine Pate Custom Draperies. He was a member of Oak Grove Masonic Lodge 750 for 31 years and a member of Arman Shrine, and past master and coached many masons after that. J.T. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and friend to many.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Smith, daughter Dana Heerick, and husband Leo Heerick, daughter Tabatha Hill and husband Delos Hill, step son Scott Pate and wife Susan Pate and his sister, Peggy Lloyd and her husband Billy Lloyd. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Sydney Heerick, Ava Heerick, Ginger Hill, Hannah Hill, Logan Hill, Lauren Pate and Dylan Pate and two great grandchildren, Bella Alonso and Aubree Hill. He is also survived by his best friend of sixty three years,
Boyd Jacobs. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Jesse-Smith, Frank Smith, and Ray Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 12 noon at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Rev. Ray Smith will officiate. Burial with will be in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens with military honors followed by Masonic Rites by Arthur Byrd.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Hudson Funeral Home and other times at his home. Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to the Masonic Children’s Home, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.

A Memorial Video Tribute by Hudson Funeral Home