James Paul Smith

Paul was a lively, fun-loving, social man - very caring and thoughtful. He loved giving gifts and was very generous. He loved to spend time with family, his sister, Anne, and brother, Randy, and was an involved father and granddaddy.

Paul graduated from Sun Valley High School in 1967 and went on to NC State University where he majored in mathematics, graduating in 1971. While in college he joined a campus ministry called The Navigators and became more serious about his Christian faith. He taught high school math in Virginia Beach where he felt God calling him overseas. Saving up for his big adventure, he worked in a truck loading dock to pay for his flight. He moved to New Zealand in his early twenties, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn, married in 1976, and lived there for a total of 23 years. He returned to his roots in the Indian Trail, NC area in 1996 with Marilyn and their two girls. He worked for United Way until he retired.

If you knew Paul, you’d know he loved to kid around, be silly, and play tricks on people! He enjoyed a good joke. He never missed a day of school! He loved to play sports with Randy and his father, JB. He played baseball, basketball, and ran track in high school. He had an amazing memory and could recite many facts and memorized many verses. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing later in life. His motto was alongside helping and discipling people. Paul was always one step ahead helping his family plan and think about the future. Methodical, organized, great critical thinking skills. He loved to be outside mowing the yard and spent a lot of time with God in prayer during those moments.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Marilyn Smith; his daughters, Rebecca Hinson (Evan) and Vivienne Smith; his grandchildren, Emma O'Bryon, Maya Hinson, Liv Hinson, and Bennett Hinson; his sister, Anne Pressley; his brother, Randy Smith; and many other loving extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at First Baptist Church - Matthews, 185 South Trade Street, Matthews, North Carolina 28105. A visitation will be held prior from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Crown Memorial Park, 9620 Rodney Street, Pineville, North Carolina 28134.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church Matthews or a charity of your choice.