MR. JAMES EDISON SMITH, age73, of Milan, GA, died Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Dodge County Hospital in Eastman. Funeral services will be held at Southerland Funeral Chapel at 3:00PM Tuesday, March 12, 2024, with Rev. Billy Baker and Rev. Aubrey Corbitt officiating with interment in Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery in Chauncey. James was born in McRae, GA, and was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. He attended Telfair County High School before enlisting into the United States Navy. He served his country before returning home and marrying in November of 1971. James worked as a truck driver for Royden Wear in McRae for over 20 years. He also was co-owner and operator with his wife for the family business, Smith Cleaning Service. They worked together for over 30 years and numerous businesses in the Telfair and Dodge County area. James was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle. He enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles and loved camping with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching Gunsmoke on TV. James was the son of the late B.D. Smith and Lois Shephard Smith. He was preceded in death by 5 siblings, Jean Webb Clark, Larry Smith, Jerry Smith, Debra Smith, and Marsha Smith and a brother-in-law, Randall Graham. He is survived by his Wife of 52 years; Daughter; Grandchildren; Great Grandchildren; Brother; Brothers-in-law; Numerous Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces and Nephews; Special Friends; Faithful Canine Companion - Doxie. The family may be contacted at the residence and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 2:00PM-3:00PM Tuesday, March 12, 2024.