Almighty God, in His wisdom and mercy received unto Himself James Erwin Smith on Monday, July 7, 2008. Mr. Smith was born January 5, 1929, in Columbia, S.C. A service of Celebration of Eternal Life was held Thursday, July 10, 2008, at 2 pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia. Visitation followed in the church reception room. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Mr. Smith was a son of Orville Stanley Smith and Freida Learmont Steiglitz Smith. He graduated from Dreher High School in 1945 at the age of 16 and from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Chemistry. He completed post graduate work in business administration at Hofstra College in New York City. He served his country with a tour in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a lieutenant

on the U.S.S. Snowden

. He loved the Navy, but resigned his commission to spend more time with his family, who he loved dearly.

Mr. Smith, owner of Stanley Smith and Sons Builders, was born into the construction business in S.C. following his grandfather, Orville Grant Smith, and his father, Orville Stanley Smith. Under Jim Smith's leadership, Stanley Smith and Sons became the first Butler Building dealership in S.C. The company continued to offer cost and energy efficient building for 75 years. Mr. Smith was active in Commercial Builders Association and was named to the advisory board for Butler National Cooperation, from which he won many awards.

A lifelong member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Mr. Smith served as Sunday School teacher, five terms as Congregational Council president, on the Synod's Executive Committee, and on numerous boards and committees. He served on call committees to recommend pastors and was an honorary council member. His willingness to take on any project for the church was legendary. He was on the Board of Oliver Gospel Mission for many years. Mr. Smith was a member of the Columbia Rotary Club and the manager and treasurer of Columbia Oyster Club, one of the oldest clubs in the State.

Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley Hamrick Smith; sons, Philip (Patty) Smith and Scott Erwin Smith; daughters, Holly Smith Anderson and Leesa Sue Smith; and grandchildren, Melissa Sue Anderson, Matthew James Anderson, and Tyler Edward Anderson. The immediate family is completed with great granddaughter, Brooke Nicole Anderson. He is also survived by his brother, O. Stanley Smith; sisters, Freida Learmont Smith, Elizabeth Smith Drake and Carolyn Smith Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a true and devoted friend to many and did things anonymously. The extent of his generosity was not something he expected in return but only to be joyful in the success of others. He educated people, gave them financial help, and then gave them the businesses he helped them start. He was a man of his word and a handshake was his bond. He will be missed by all.

Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, C/O P.A.D. Club, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201. The P.A.D. (People Are Dandy) Club helps those who have physical and mental disabilities.

Please sign the online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com