Mr. James Leroy Smith Sr., formerly of Devonshire Street, was born December 12, 1940 to the late Hannah Smith in Greenville, South Carolina.

Leroy moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of five and was educated in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system. Mr. Smith was retiree of Carolina Steel and Royal Cake Company.  He married the late Betty Ann Johnson Smith and six children were born to this union.

In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Ann Johnson Smith; his second wife Equilla Arkethea Galloway Smith; sister, Rev. Carrie T. Williamson; and aunt, Willie Mae Catherine Smith-Rucker.

He departed this life Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the AuthoraCare Collective Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Greensboro.

Left to cherish his memory are three sons, James Leroy "Coconut" Smith Jr. (Sharee`) of the city, Hernando (Kathleen) Smith, Santoes Smith all of the city; three daughters, Karen and April Smith, both of the city, and Princess Smith of Greensboro, NC; stepchildren, Keshonn Galloway, Trimeko Fredlaw, Dallas Fredlaw, and Kamm (Thomas) Perry;  eleven grandchildren; twenty two great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; 2 great-great great grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; a host of nieces, including a special niece,

Octavia Lane, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Sunday November 26, 2023 in the chapel of Hooper Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm-1:00pm at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith's remains may be viewed Saturday November 25, 2023 from 12pm-6pm at Hooper Funeral Home.

A repast will be held at the home of his granddaughter. Tameka Glover in Rural Hall, NC