James Vernon ''J.V.'' Smith, 93, of Roanoke Rapids died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

Mr. Smith was a native of Halifax County, the son of the late James Vernon Smith and Josey Mae Taylor Smith. He was a World War II veteran, serving for ten years in the U. S. Navy. Mr. Smith was retired from VEPCO. He was a longtime member of Rosemary Baptist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucille Smith; his daughter, Margaret Ann Cameron and her husband, Billy, of Richmond, VA; his son, Charles Smith and his wife, Donna, of Roanoke Rapids; four grandchildren, Stephanie McKeon and her husband, Colin, of Glen Allen, VA, Brett Cameron of Richmond, Nikki Keeter and her husband, Michael, and Max Smith, all of Roanoke Rapids; four great-grandchildren, Seth Cameron of Richmond, Cameron McKeon of Glen Allen and Joslynn Smith and Kingston Keeter, both of Roanoke Rapids; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friends, Paul Hawkins, Billy Carter, and Jim Frazier.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating. Entombment with military honors will follow at Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or Continuum Home Care & Hospice, PO Box 2004, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Smith’s service to his country.