James Eric Odell Smelley's Obituary
James Eric Odell Smelley, 38, died unexpectedly July 1, 2024 at his Longview residence. He was born October 16, 1985 in Longview, the son of John W. Smelley and J'nell (Moore) Howell.
In his formative years he was always going 90 to nothing and always getting into something. He went through the terrible twos and threes and during this time got the nickname "Hammer Head" from his uncle Mack after he spun around in circles, holding a ball peen hammer, hitting his brother in the head, which put a end to that fun. During that time he also put his dad's truck into gear and decided to steer the wheel, hitting two trees while dad ran behind. He attended Hallsville ISD with the class of 2004.
James worked for his dad's business in the past couple of years at Smelley Welding and Fabrication in Longview. He was a very giving and caring person and he helped anyone he thought was in need. He spent countless hours working on his brother's house to make it livable. He bought bottled water and handed it out along Hwy 80 to homeless people or anyone he thought was in need on a hot afternoon and gave food to people he did not know when they looked like they were hungry. He loved his family and friends and was always ready to help them if he knew they were in need. Everyone that knew him will always remember his unique laugh that was sure to make you laugh right along with him.
He was proceeded in death by grandparents, Billy Tom "Papa" and Louise "Mama Ise" (Lane) Smelley and Bobby Odell and Shirley "Granny" (McClintock) Moore; great-grandparents Willie "Pop" and Lola Bell "Nanny" (Davis) Smelley and Ruby Nell "Grandma" (Brown) Goodgame; great-great-grandmother Tennie Leath "Mama Smelley" (Huffman) Smelley; uncle, Kyle Carlisle; great uncle and aunt, Mack and Bonnie Smelley.
He is survived by his parents, John W. (Crystal) Smelley and J'nell (Frank) Howell; brothers, John W. "J. W." Smelley and Tommy Alsbrooks of Hudson, TX; sisters, Bridgett Hines, Faith (Jakob) Fisk, "Little Sister" Rose, and Jennifer Howell of Gun Barrel City, TX; niece, Paisley Fisk; aunts, Jari Carlisle, Vickie Moore of Blanchard, LA, Teresa Reynolds, Linda Harley, and honorary Aunt Renee Smelley; cousins, Johnathan (Crystal) Chambers of Big Sandy, Gary Reynolds, Tommy (April) Perry, Katee (Tommy) Walker of Bethesda, MD, Chris Perry, and Lorna Perry (Charlie Christoper) of Odessa, and numerous cousins.
John and J'nell would like to thank their family, friends and coworkers for the outpouring of love and generosity that they have received.
Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, and Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd, Longview 75601. Graveside will follow at LaGrone Chapel Cemetery, 11944 Noonday Rd West, Hallsville 75650. Family and Friends are requested to gather after services at A.J. and Opal Smelley's Homestead, 3265 Smelley Rd, Longview 75605.
Pall Bearers are Jason Waggoner, Tommy Perry, Gary Reynolds, Wes Campbell, Nathan Allen, Davis Smelley, Duane Griffith, and John Paul Griffith; honorary, J. W. Smelley and Justin Smelley.
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