James Arnold Smith

Mr. James Arnold Smith, 93, of Mount Airy, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday night, May 25, 2026. Mr. Smith was born October 6, 1932, in Surry County, one of four children born to the late Bert Clarence and Mary Beth Midkiff Smith. James faithfully served his country in the United States Army, an experience that remained a source of great pride throughout his life. Following his military service, he owned and operated Wholesale Monument Company for many years, taking great pride in helping families memorialize and honor the lives of their loved ones with dignity and care. A devoted man of faith, James was a charter member and senior deacon of Temple Baptist Church, where his steadfast commitment and servant’s heart were evident throughout his life. Above all, he dearly loved the Lord and cherished his family, who were the greatest blessings of his life. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Ginger and Delma Beck of Mount Airy, Robin and Roger Thomas of Mount Airy, and Cindy and Greg Hiatt of Cana, VA; a son and two daughters-in-law, Steve and Mary Jane Smith of Mount Airy and Debbie Smith of Mount Airy; his grandchildren, Kimberly and Joey Jenkins of Mount Airy, Darrell and Lori Beck of Mount Airy, Eric Thomas of Winston-Salem, Jason and Tracy Thomas of Mount Airy, Heather Smith of Mount Airy, Dusty Smith and Katlin Johnson of Westfield, and Hannah Hiatt of Cana, VA; his great-grandchildren, Lauren and Josh Brantley, Leslie and Jordan Stouffer, LillyRuth Beck, Lydia Beck, Kole Smith and Carleigh Lovill, Jayden Smith, Demi Johnson, Ramsey Johnson, Junior Waters, and Eli Waters; a great-great-grandchild, Josie Lynn Brantley; a great-great-grandchild on the way, Addison Renee Thomas; and a sister, Betty Lou Smith Thompson of Rockwall, TX. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jean Rakes Smith; a son, Mark Anthony Smith; a sister, Frances Smith Simmons; and a brother, Lewis Smith. The funeral service will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Temple Baptist Church, with the Rev. Zane Fishel officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Temple Baptist Church. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love, care, and compassion shown by the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.