Mr. James E. Smith

James E. (“Jim”) Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on November 19, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished. Born February 1, 1938, in Florence, South Carolina, he was the second son of Robert Lee and Marie Crowley Smith. Jim graduated from Clemson College with a degree in civil engineering, where he distinguished himself as student body president and a Captain of the Pershing Rifles. Following graduation, he proudly served three years of active duty in the U.S. Army Combat Engineers before beginning a long and accomplished career in the private sector. He received numerous honors and held important positions throughout high school, college, and his military service, yet he always believed that his greatest honor was bestowed upon him by his Savior, who most assuredly welcomed him home with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” While working as a District Engineer for Shell Oil in Jacksonville, Florida, he met and married the love of his life, Penny Trantham. Their partnership, rooted in Christ, devotion, and mutual respect, remained the center of his life for all his years. Shell later transferred Jim to Columbia, South Carolina, where he and Penny planted deep and lasting roots. He continued his military service in the Army Reserves, retiring after twenty years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1972, he founded Heritage Builders, which he operated for 38 years with integrity, craftsmanship, and a sincere commitment to his community. His leadership in the homebuilding industry earned him recognition as Home Builder of the Year by the Columbia Home Builders Association, an association in which he later served as President. He also served with distinction on the Richland County Planning Commission. A man whose priorities were always faith, family, and friends, Jim lived out his beliefs daily. For 61 years, he was an active and devoted member of Shandon Baptist Church, where he left an indelible mark through his service. He was known for his deep commitment to the Church’s mission and its people. He served as a deacon for many years, taught Sunday School, and was a dedicated member of numerous committees, always offering his time and talents to the ministries of the Church. Jim also served on mission teams nationally and internationally with Samaritan’s Purse, sharing the love of Christ far beyond his own community. In addition to his mission work, he was deeply engaged in prison ministry, offering hope, encouragement, and compassion to those in need. He was a lifetime blood donor, also contributing over 300 units of platelets—a testament to his generous spirit and unwavering desire to help others in every way possible. His life verse was Micah 6:8, “The Lord hath shown thee, O Man, what is good and what doth the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God,” and he lived its charge. Jim will be remembered as a godly man, a committed Christian, and a faithful servant of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was always willing to help others, humble yet strong, and a true Southern gentleman in every sense of the word. Jim’s thoughtfulness extended far beyond his formal acts of service. He had a unique gift for remembering the birthdays and special occasions of family, friends, and even acquaintances. His ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved was one of his many endearing qualities. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his older and younger brothers, Bobby and Ray. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Penny; his children James E. “Chip” Smith, David L. Smith, MD (Angela), and Kendall McKoy (Brodie); his eleven grandchildren—Madison, Brandon, Katie, Eden, Holland, Hayden, Andrew, Morey, Maggie, Boaz, and Jed; and five great-grandchildren—Cooper, Collins, Cash, Lainey, and McKoy, with one more lovingly anticipated. Jim Smith lived a full and faithful life, marked by service, kindness, leadership, and steadfast love. His legacy endures in the family he treasured, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched through his work, his faith, and his friendships. And whatever and all. The funeral service for Mr. Smith will be held at 12:30 o'clock, Wednesday, December 3rd, at Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2 o'clock. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the Gathering Place at the church beginning at 11 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Samaritan’s Purse International, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607 would be greatly appreciated.

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Mr. James E. Smith

February 1, 1938 - November 19, 2025