James Leon Smith, 81

NEWARK - James Leon Smith, of Newark, devoted husband, father and grandfather, departed this life on Monday, April 14, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 81

He was born Jan. 13, 1927, in Townsend.

James was a retired toll collector who was with the Delaware River and Bay Authority for 29 year.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Clifton; his mother, Viola Henry; and his special aunt who raised him, Mary Smith.

He is survived by his wife Helen Smith; five sons, Kevin and his wife Terry, Dennis and his wife Patricia, Kittrell and his wife Johnette, Kurt and his wife Josette, and William and his wife Allison; and two daughters, Phyllis Smith-Tiller and her husband Malcolm Tiller Sr. and Kristin Stinson and her husband Jeffrey Stinson Sr.; a sister-in-law, Clara Pratt; a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Temple of Praise Worldwide, 89 Christiana Road, New Castle, where friends may call two hours prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.