James Lyle Smith, Jr.

James Lyle Smith, Jr. born October 4, 1951, in Brownsville, TN. Son of the late James Lyle and Sarah Duffey Smith. Lyle was raised in Brownsville, educated in Haywood County Schools and graduated from Haywood High School in 1969. After graduation, he attended Jackson State Community College and Union University where he graduated in 1974.

Lyle met Regina Cameron Smith following his years at Union University and she would later become his wife of nearly 50 years. They would have celebrated their 50-year anniversary on September 11, 2026. Their family began to grow with the birth of Bradley Cameron Smith, Richard Andrew "Andy" Smith, and Julie Smith Ligon. Their world revolved around their children and their activities. Lyle coached the teams the boys played on throughout their younger years and loved every moment. He cheered Julie on as a cheerleader and in her performances in the fine arts department of the University School of Jackson.

After the marriages of their children, Lyle and Regina began their most cherished God given assignment -to love and cherish each of their 5 grandchildren: Will Allen, Emma, Lee, Bentley, and Luke. "Buddy" loved his grands so much and tried to never miss their activities-especially their sporting activities. He became known around West Tennessee as "Buddy" to the teammates of his grands as he attended not only the games, but also team practices. He had jerseys for each team they played on -there to cheer and support his favorite players and teams on to victory!

Lyle was a successful businessman for many years before retirement in 2025. He and Regina enjoyed traveling associated with his career throughout their marriage, but their most cherished travels were their annual beach and mountain vacations with their family.

Lyle accepted Christ as a young boy during the Sunday morning service at Brownsville Baptist Church. In May 1984, he recommitted his life and followed in believers' baptism at First Baptist Church, Jackson. He and Regina were active in the churches they attended throughout their marriage.

At the time of his death, Lyle was a member of West Jackson Baptist Church. He and Regina have been faithful members of the Walter Taylor BFT for many years. He loved the time together with cherished friends each Sunday.

Many people influenced his life, most of whom have gone on before him, including the late Dick Swann, Dr. Herbert Higdon, Jack Hilliard and Joe Day Gibbs, and Brother Ralph Pipkin, who survives. One special friend came into his life and the life of the Smith family in the early 2000's. Miss Ruby Schoonover was a friend that "sticks by you like glue". She became an honorary member of the Smith family as" Grandma B" and a prayer warrior until her death.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Regina Cameron Smith, their children Bradley Cameron Smith (Lori), Richard Andrew "Andy" Smith, Julie Smith Ligon (Charlie); his grandchildren, Will Allen Smith (Dylan Tolliver, special friend), Emma Catherine Smith, Charles Lee Ligon Jr, Bentley Drew Smith, and Luke Allen Ligon. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry Smith (Flora), David Smith (Tucker), and Linda Smith Webb, all of Brownsville; his brother-in-law Dr. Marvin Cameron (Penny) of Kingsport. Lyle is survived by niece Sarabeth Smith Crutchfield, and nephews Nick Smith, Kalin Webb, Christopher Cameron, Dr. Tyler Cameron, Henry Smith and Walter Smith. He is also survived by many cousins including his closest cousin throughout his life, William "Bill" Duffey (Angela) of Hendersonville. Lyle and Bill shared a special bond and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Lyle and Sarah Duffey Smith, his mother and father-in-law Reverend Glen Allen and Jean Whitt Cameron, his grandparents Walter Marvin & Katherine Nelson Smith and Albert Franklin and Ethel Stephens Smith and grandparents in love, Reverend James and Beulah Cameron Whitt. Lyle was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles including Miss Louise Duffey and aunt and uncle in love Jack and Bobbie Farmer.

SERVICES: A time with family and friends will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in New Generations Hall at West Jackson Baptist Church, 580 Oil Well Road, Jackson, TN followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Walter Taylor, Rev. Andy Neely and Rev.Tommy Tucker officiating.

Honorary pall bearers will be David Crockett, Bill Timbes, Dr. John Williams, Dr. Mark Bateman, Mark Yates, Carroll Griffin, Edmund Cepparello, and Tommy Barden.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Fund at the Hope and Healing Foundation of West Tennessee Healthcare online at www.wthhopeandhealing.org or the Alzheimer's Tennessee 2026 Walk Smith Family Team.

Lyle's family wishes to convey sincere thanks to his very special caregiver, Brittany Cobb, the staff of Maplewood Nursing Center, Drs. Jason Goolsby and Greg Mitchell, Kristi Riddle, FNP, the staff of Hospice of West Tennessee, and the ministerial staff and membership of West Jackson Baptist Church.