James Henderson Smith

Published 11:26 am Friday, May 3, 2024

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Mr. James Henderson “Jim” Smith, age 84, of Andalusia, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at his residence.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 2, 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church with Brother Tim Trent officiating and Foreman Funeral Home directing. The interment followed in Andalusia Memorial Cemetery. Visitation began on Wednesday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Foreman Funeral Home.

Mr. Smith was born in South Carolina to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene T. Smith and attended school there. After graduation in 1961 he met the love of his life, Danna Davis. They later got married in 1963 and spent 61 years together. Jim attended Southern Technical Institute and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He moved to Fitzgerald, Georgia, and was in charge of the utilities in Fitzgerald for 18 years. In 1984 Jim and Danna, along with their children Cam and Amy, moved to Andalusia where Jim assumed the position of CEO of Southeast Alabama Gas District. Jim led the gas district until his retirement in 2006 after 22 years of service.

In his spare time Jim was very active in community affairs. He was a former member, director and past president of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, former director of the LBW College Foundation, a member and past president of the Andalusia Rotary Club, and a member and past president of the Andalusia Country Club. Jim served on the Utilities Board of the City of Andalusia for 11 years until his retirement in 2021. He also served for several years on the Board of Directors of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. In his professional life he served on the board of directors of the Gas Technology Institute, past chairman of the Municipal Gas Systems advisory committee of GTI, a member, past president and current treasurer of the American Public Gas Association, former member of the board of directors of the Alabama Natural Gas Association and a former member of the Southern Gas Association.

Jim was very active in his church at The First Presbyterian Church of Andalusia where he served as an elder in the church. He also was very passionate about the outdoors. Jim loved to deer and turkey hunt with his son Cam and other close friends.

He is survived by his wife, Danna Smith; one son, Cam Smith of Andalusia; a daughter, Amy Smith Parrish of Destin, Florida; five grandchildren, Julia Griffin, Paulk Smith, Camryn Smith, Bailey Parrish (Tony) Zelena, and Davis Parrish; and one great-grandson, Jack Griffin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene T. Smith, and sister, Martha Smith Welch.

Pallbearers were Paulk Smith, Tony Zelena, Davis Parrish, Stewart Carswell, Earl Johnson, and Seth Hammett. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Krudop, Dessie Manning, Bob Carter, Roger Boyington, and Kennith Mount.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Andalusia or the charity of your choice. Those wishing to sign the online registry may do so at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.