James Arthur “Moon” Smith, Jr., age 86, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2009 in Troy. He was born May 5, 1922, and was preceded in death by his parents James Arthur Smith, Sr., Willie Bowden Smith, and loving wife Juanita Edwards Smith. He is survived by his children James Arthur Smith, III; Lucille Blair (Harry); Debbie Pewitt (Randy); Dan Smith (Dianne); Ben Smith (Leslie). His grandchildren are Gabrielle Smith, Jamie Smith; Burt Blair (Lori); Andy Blair (Robin); Katie Pewitt, Sarah Pewitt, Alison Pewitt, Ran Pewitt; Emily Smith and Jake Smith; Jessica Smith, Deanna Smith and Benjamin Smith and four great-grandchildren, Landon, Gracie, Jackson and Molly Kate Blair.
Mr. Smith was a life-long resident of Pike County and graduated from Troy High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. He served in the United States Navy Honor Guard and served as a gunners mate on two Liberty Ships. When Mr. Smith returned to Pike County, he and his brother William “Coot” Smith opened Smith Brothers Body Works, which they ran for 33 years. Mr. Smith also was the Past President of the Troy Shriners and a 50-year member of the Troy Masonic Lodge. Mr. Smith was President of the Troy Shriners during construction of the Pike County Fairground main building. Pallbearers will include Burt Blair, Andy Blair, Jake Smith, Ran Pewitt, Kurt Henderson and Gregg Owens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robin Sullivan, Phillip Henderson, Randy Pewitt, Mark Stephens and members of the Troy Masonic Lodge. Visitation for James Arthur “Moon” Smith will be Monday, 5-7 p.m., March 9, 2009, and the service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Green Hills Chapel. Internment will be at the Green Hills Perpetual cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Troy Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 1163, Troy, 36081.