A Homegoing Celebration for Bro. Eddie James Smith, Jr. of Tampa, Florida who passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020 will be held Saturday, February 29th, 2:00 p.m. at Grace Mary M.B. Church, 3901 N. 37th Street, Elder James R. Reed, Jr., pastor officiating. The interment will be held in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. Eddie James Smith, Jr. was the third child born to the late, Deacon Eddie J. Smith, Sr. and Bernida V. Randolph Smith. He was educated in the public-school system of Hillsborough County, graduating from Middleton Senior High School, class of 1961. Eddie retired from Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, where he was employed as a yard master. Eddie came to Christ as a very young person and was baptized at Grace Mary M. B. Church. He was formerly married to Sister Ida M. Smith. Eddie spent his life on the golf course, Rogers Park and was there as a child when it was constructed. He was amongst the first caddies hired when they segregated the golf course and opened for African Americans in 1952. He later became a decorated competitor who helped put the course on the national map. He was preceded in death by his son, Eddie J. Smith III; parents; brother, Deacon David Smith. He leaves to cherish his precious memories with his children, Captain Reginald L. Smith (Traci); daughter, Bernida Smith (Gene) and like a daughter, LaTarra Bush (JaQan); grandchildren, Reginald, Jr. Regan J., Eddie J. IV, Jermaine, Imani and Jermia Smith, Telicia, Michelle and Eugene Jones, Jr., Ja' Quan Peoples, Tamaya Williams, Latosha and Tiffany Young and Isaac Patrick; 10 siblings, Drs. Rubie Malone (James), Brooklyn, N.Y., Helen Johnson, Zephyrhills, FL., Herbert Smith (Jenis), Naples, FL., Albert Smith (Debra), Homosassa, FL., Samuel L. Smit and Aaron Smith, of Tampa, FL., Valerie Harrell (James) of Lithonia, GA., Stanley Smith (Doris), Houston, TX., Rhonda Ellis (Rick) and Klisa Smith, of Tampa, FL.; like a sister-in-law, Sally Holt; friends, Eddie (Will), Louis, Hood, Amos, Harvey, Fleabag, Calvin and Sam; a host of nieces, nephews and other dear relatives and friends. The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Friday, February 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.

Visitation
The Chapel of Hope Aikens Funeral Home Chapel
Friday, February 28, 2020
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
2708 E Dr. MLK Jr.
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
Grace Mary MB Church
Saturday, February 29, 2020
02:00 PM
3901 N. 37th St
Tampa, FL 33610