Obituaries

Mr. James Wootton "Jimmy" Smiley

Mr. James Wootton "Jimmy" Smiley, 83, of South Hill, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born on April 20, 1943 in South Hill, he was the son of the late James Fleming Smiley and Claudia Edna Wootten Smiley of South Hill. Jimmy was proud to have grown up working on the Smiley family farm and helping with his family's businesses. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to pursue many successful business ventures throughout his life. Over the years, he operated a movie theater, ran a local radio station, owned and operated Smiley's Young Men's Shop, and most recently was the owner/operator of Smiley's Truck and Diesel. If you ever had the opportunity to talk with Jimmy, you undoubtedly heard a joke or two. He found great joy in brightening the lives of others with his humor, stories, and quick wit. He will also be fondly remembered as "Mr. Sax Man," sharing his love of music while performing with local bands including Tony T and the Midnight Movers, Midnight Crossfire, and Double Shot. Jimmy rarely traveled without his saxophone, always prepared in case an opportunity to play arose. Above all else, Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he was truly the best husband and father anyone could ask for. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Vaughan Smiley; his five children, Lisa Melton (Harry Carter) of Boydton, Jamie Smiley (Kim) of Bracey, Jina Narron (Bruce) of Andrews, South Carolina, Brandy Peterson (Seth) of South Hill, and Kevin Smiley of South Hill; his sisters, Edna Jane McDaniel of Happy Valley, Oregon, and Debra Smiley-Weindel (Johnny) of Boydton; his brothers, Donnie Smiley (Lillian) of South Hill, Ronnie Smiley (Patti) of Wytheville, Virginia, and Bobby Smiley (Janice) of South Hill; his sister-in-law Edith Smiley of South Hill; eight grandchildren, Savannah Melton, McCael Melton, Chance Melton, Delaney Narron, Kambrie Narron, Aria Peterson, Harper Peterson, and Joslyn Peterson; and three great-grandchildren, Ragnar Melton, Revan Melton, and Ayla Melton. He was preceded in death by an infant brother and his brother, Johnny Smiley of South Hill. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with interment to follow at Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1642 Smith Cross Road, South Hill, VA 23970, or to Southside Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 546, South Hill, VA 23970. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Smiley family.