James Christopher Smith (Chris) of Quincy, Florida passed away suddenly on Friday, September 16, 2022 at his home with his wife, Delores, and his sister, Susan Carter at his side. He was 72 years old.
Chris was the son of James (Jimmie) Smith and Erline Bourn Smith Betts.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Greensboro, FL where he made a profession of faith as a youth and followed in believer’s baptism. While he attended other churches over a span of years, he never moved his membership from his home church.
He graduated from Greensboro High School after which he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. His continued his studies at the University of Georgia and ultimately obtained a Master’s Degree in Agronomy. While it was his desire to continue his education, he returned to the family farm upon learning of his father’s terminal illness. While he could have chosen a more lucrative career path, he choose to stay near his family and the farm while also seeking employment at Fletcher Nursery and Hackney Nursery over the years. He remained on the farm until his death. He considered it his responsibility to be a good steward of the land which the Lord had left to his care.
Chris is survived by his wife, Delores Barber Smith, his sister, Susan Smith Carter, step-son Shane (Suzanne) White of Quincy, FL, step-daughter, Wanda Bruce Raulerson of Lake City, FL and granddaughters, Carly White of Tuscaloosa, AL and MaKayla Raulerson of Lake City, FL. He had the good fortune to have two step-sisters, Tracey Pearce (Ivy) of Havana, FL and Kimberly Greene (Don) of Melbourne, FL. He has a lone beloved nephew, Trent Carter (Meredith) of Tallahassee who has two daughters, Ava and Ella. Crystal Carter Muggelberg (Dan) is his cherished niece who has two sons, James and Carter and they reside in Sumter, S.C.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Smith, Erline Smith Betts, Wayne Betts (Step-father,) and Buster Carter, brother-in-law.
Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at First Baptist Church of Quincy, FL on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. just prior to the service.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Condolence Committee of the First Baptist Church of Quincy or a charity of your choice.
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, 15 S. Jackson, Quincy, FL., (850)627-7677, is in charge of arrangements.
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