Our father, Deacon Eddie James Smith, son of the late Deacon Ed Smith and Mother Maude

Paulk Smith, was born in Douglas, Georgia, on March 30, 1929. As the fifth child of eleven

children, he was the last survivor of his family, which ironically indicates how he as a child was

rescued into his father's arms as they crossed the river to safety from the ideology of racism.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:

for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. " (Galatians 3:28, KJV)

Deacon Smith was raised in a family with wholesome values that led his mindset to esteem

family as an important component of life. He attended the church that his father help build, the

New Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia. Presently, his father's name is

engraved on the water well that sits on the grounds of the church. Throughout his life time, he

often visited Douglas, Georgia, with his children and grandchildren while exploring his roots and

inspiring them to stay in church.

After leaving Douglas, he moved to Coral Gables, Florida, where he met and married the love of

his life, Janie Strickland in 1952, and remained happily married until her demise in 2015

During the final hours of her life, Deacon Smith struggled with the idea of losing his best friend

and had a difficult time accepting her lost. "And we know that all things work together for good

to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28,

KJV)

Deacon Smith was prominently known for being a devoted husband, compassionate father, and a

generous grand-and-great grandfather. His life was filled with so many glorious chapters. His

Christian upbringing was in a home that valued the importance of maintaining biblical standards,

a dedicated work ethic and strict educational principles. Therefore, in his household he would

challenge his children with math strategies and reading passages encouraging them to answer

quickly. His belief in education was implemented in the family as a legacy "To learn something

new every day," "Stay in school! and Nobody can take away your education." He credited the

success of his children all to God. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old

he will not depart from it. " (Proverbs 22:6, KJV)

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