Bishop James Clifford Smith, born 93 years ago in Lexington County to the late Deacon Willie and Mother LuElla Smith, quietly departed his earthly home into the arms of his heavenly Father, Thursday evening, December 10 th . He was the third of 8 children; 6 preceded him in death: Lillian Bibbs, Sam William, Isaiah, Eloise Foster, Willie, and Margaret Winn. He was married to Mother Essie Mae Hollis Smith for 58 years before her passing in 2002. To this union, 5 children were born; two preceded them in death: James Jr. and Stephen; his great great granddaughter: baby Madison Nicole Trapp; and his step son: Clyde Mack.

Bishop Smith was a pillar of strength in the Cayce and Columbia communities. He was educated in Lexington County public school system, where he lived with his family. He served in the Airborne Division of the Army during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he married Essie Mae Hollis. They moved to Charleston, SC; and he worked at the Naval Shipyard. They later moved to Philadelphia, PA. After returning to Cayce, he worked in the Savannah River Bomb Plant. He later took up professional brick masonry trade. It was thought he would not be as skillful, being a "lefty." However; he became a very skillful professional brick mason; receiving many requests all over, in and out of the state.

Bishop Smith, early his adult life, gave himself and his family to God. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on December 4, 1952; a month later Mother Essie Mae Smith. He served the Lord with great passion and vigor. He felt the call of God on his life from a child. It was said that the mark of God was on his life. "Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified." Truly, he was a man called by God. After the passing of his first wife, God blessed him to marry his second wife, Mother Dorothy T. Smith in 2005. They diligently worked together in the church from day one until he was unable to, due to illness. He always said that God blessed him with two beautiful, saved women; of whom he was very proud.

Bishop Smith served his church faithfully and loyally; committed to its wellbeing. In July of 1992, then Elder, was ordained as the Pastor of Calvary Holiness Church of God. Shortly afterwards, he accepted his call to the office of Bishop; a title he took to heart. He was a laborer in the Lord's vine yard, seeking souls for the Kingdom of God. He said God called him to be a servant when he was first saved. It is well known that he was committed to the Lord and His work. He said, "I may wear out, but I certainly won't rust out." As his earthly days were ending, he still used every opportunity to encourage, bless in deed and word; and share the love of Jesus. The Lord asked him one day, "How far would he go to save a soul?" He said there was no distance, no time or circumstance to keep him from following the will of God to save souls.

He was the last founding member of Calvary. Various ministries were instituted under his pastorate. He opened a storehouse, which was used to reach needy in our community; and to help support national and international crisis relief ministries. As an Elder, he developed youth groups; using innovative ideas to challenge them to be involved in their church. He encouraged youths that came through Calvary to get God in their lives, go to school, get a profession or gainful employment, and become the productive young men and women God ordained them to be. He also instituted the Calvary Holiness Church Student Scholarship, urging all students attending college to apply. The Young Generation youth group, which he named, was his heart. He took time to answer questions, even from the youngest child. He was concerned about them all. He taught the men to be men, and provide for their families. Before working in the church, he admonished all, especially the brethren, to make sure their family was secure. He was a family man, till the day he transitioned into Glory. He will be missed by his family, church family and community.

Bishop Smith leaves to cherish his memories of a life well lived, First Lady Mother Dorothy Smith; sons, Jack (Cynthia) Durden, Charles Donease (LuElla) Smith, and Bishop David (Betty) Smith; daughter Sherah (Elder Joseph) Giles; stepson Elder Kelsey (Beverly) Mack; stepdaughter Selma Hawkins; one sister, Missionary Bertha Martin; 17 grandchildren, 10 great grands, 3 great-great grands and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.