Deacon Curtis Smith, Sr., age 88, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at approximately 3:50 p.m. at Lost Creek Care Center in Lima.

He was born on June 17, 1926 in Russell County, Alabama to the union of James and Minnie Tate Smith.  Both parents preceded him in death.

He was united in holy matrimony in 1944 to Hester Jones; she preceded him in death on April 26, 1998.

Deacon Smith retired as a Block Inspector at General Motors Corporation.  He was a member of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon's Board and the Men's Chorus.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory a daughter; Diane Griffin of Lima and a son; James W. Jones (Mattie) of Lima.  15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. A brother; Henry Smith of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  A special friend; Lucille Liles of Lima.  A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son; Curtis Smith, Jr., 7 brothers; Daniel, Lucious, Willie, Ben, James, Edward and Charlie Smith.  3 sisters; Maggie Brown, Ida Richardson and Hattie Borns.