James Troy Smith, Sr.

James Troy Smith, Sr., age 81, of Rich Square, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Troy was born in Northampton County, NC on March 8, 1942 to Aubrey and Mattie Smith.  He worked at Dillon Supply for 20 years, while also running a muffler shop in his backyard at night. In 1985, he started Troy’s Forklift Service and owned it until his death. He was a member of Rich Square Methodist Church and also a member of Rich Square Volunteer Fire Department for 36 years. Troy was always there for others when they needed repairs on things as small as a lawnmower to as big as a bulldozer. He was very generous to people in need and never expected anything in return. Troy was a top notch mechanic and there was never any job too big for him to accomplish. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Troy was a dedicated father and husband, he always went above and beyond for his family. No one can ever say that anyone worked harder than him.

Troy was preceded in death by his mother, Mattie Mae Smith; and his father, Aubrey Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his sons, Troy Smith Jr. and wife Kathy of Rich Square and Daryl Smith and wife Shannon of Rich Square; his sisters, Rebie Wadford and husband Robert of Winterville and Sylvia Faison and husband Alfred of Franklin, VA; his brother, Wayne Smith and wife Carol of Burlington; his granddaughters, Meghan Vick and husband Mark of Rich Square, Lauralee Hassell and husband Matt of Youngsville, and Stacy Spence and husband Brandon of Raleigh; his grandson, Judson Smith of Rich Square; his great-granddaughter, Haley Hassell of Youngsville; and his great-grandsons, Oliver Hassell of Youngsville, Blair Neal and  Ethan Neal, both of Rich Square.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Rich Square Methodist Church, with Rev. Dusty Sprouse officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to the Rich Square Methodist Church, P.O. Box 12, Rich Square, NC 27869 or online by clicking here.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Smith family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.