James Edward "Ed" Smothers

James Edward "Ed" Smothers, a resident of Ozark went to be with his Lord and Savior early Saturday morning, Oct. 13, 2007, at his residence. He was 50. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, from the chapel of Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery with Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 2346 W. Main St., Dothan, AL 36303, or donations can be made to his mother. Mr. Smothers was born Sept. 1, 1957, at Mercy Hospital in Opp. In 1974 the family moved to Ozark. He gained employment with Gilland Pontiac Chevrolet where he worked for Mr. John Gilland for the past 18 years. He loved his job and all of the employees at Gilland Pontiac Chevrolet, they were his extended family. Ed enjoyed going to the movies and spending time with his friends. His hobbies were fishing and shooting pool, however he loved to watch NASCAR Racing above all and his favorite driver was #3 The Intimidator Dale Earnhardt. Every one that knew Ed knew that he was a gentle spirit and a simple man with a big heart, he will be greatly missed. He is predeceased by one sister Julia Ann Smothers. Survivors include his mother Julia Evelyn Smothers of Ozark, his faithful companion Snowball and three special friends that will miss him dearly, Sheila Gassett of Skipperville, Mike Terry of Ozark and Jimmy Bayne of Ozark. Serving as pallbearers will be Bennie Gilbert, Bernie Lowthian, Jay Maze, James Duffy, Jerry Long and David "Slim" Harper. Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, (334) 774-4551, is in charge of arrange-ments.