James Bernard Smith

James Bernard Smith, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. He was 88. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, June 8, 2018 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Gilley officiating. Military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park and interment will take place in Rocky Mount Cemetery, Highland Home, Alabama with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends at 108 Tuscany Lane on Thursday and at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm. James Bernard Smith, a resident of Dothan, AL, was born on October 15, 1929 in LaPine Alabama to Willodene Cook and Lucian Lamar Smith. After graduation from Ramer High School in 1949 he enlisted in the US Navy where he served 4 years while playing football for the Naval Academy and worked at the Post Office. He graduated from Troy University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Nellie Ruth Harris, and they raised 3 daughters, Barbara, Debbie and Ann. Mr. Smith began teaching Science at Greenville High School in Greenville, AL in 1957. While there, he coached football, baseball, and basketball. He, along with his family, moved to Dothan, AL in August of 1968 to become the workshop supervisor/counselor @ Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center for over 20 years. While his work ethic wouldn't allow him to actually "retire", he began working at Liberty National Insurance and was there for over 10 years. He then worked at Eye Center South transporting patients, and ended his working career at Deanco Auto Auction, where he worked until he was 86 years old. Mr. Smith was a lifetime member of Dothan Elks Lodge 1887 serving as past Treasurer and Trustee, he was also Past President of the Dothan Lion's Club and Lifetime member of the Masons. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father, Lucian L Smith, his mother Willodene Cook Smith, his sisters Mary Bradly and Elizabeth Launder, his brother Lucian L Smith, Jr and nephew Butch Bradley. Survivors include his wife of over 64 years Nellie H Smith, daughters Barbara (Scott) Jones, Debbie Ivey, Ann (James) Stewart, his grandchildren Chase Ivey and Jordyn Taylor, his sister Sally Watson and several nieces and nephews. Burial Date June 8, 2018 Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, June 8, 2018 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Gilley officiating. Military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park and interment will take place in Rocky Mount Cemetery, Highland Home, Alabama with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends at 108 Tuscany Lane on Thursday and at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm.