James Earl Smith

BROGUE - James Earl Smith, 94, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Country Meadows of York-South. He was the husband of the late Lois G. (Arthur) Smith to whom he was married for 65 years before her passing in 2021.

Born March 20, 1931, in Mt. Airy, NC, he was the son of the late Peter H. and Lulu (Koplan) Smith. For most of his career he worked for McCrory Stores, assuming increasing responsibilities over the course of his 40-year time with the company until he retired in 1992 as the director of merchandise and operations for almost 1000 stores with more than 15,000 employees. After he retired, he went on to continue his education in his 60’s and started real estate appraising in the coastal Carolinas. Outside of work, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, dancing, being active in his church, and fishing with his best friend Charlie. His greatest love was spending time with his wife and family. Throughout his life he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Surviving are his three daughters, Deborah Quackenbos and her husband Art of Brogue, Tracy Smith, Ed.D. and her husband Bruce of Macungie, and Patty Coker-Bolt, PhD and her husband Dr. Rick Bolt of Charleston, SC; three grandchildren, James Lewis and his wife Rachael, Daniel Quackenbos and his wife Courtney, and David Quackenbos and his wife Sherry; a step-granddaughter, Mary Sweeny and her husband Gabe; and two great-grandchildren, Lily Quackenbos and Althea Lewis. He is preceded in death by two sisters. Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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