James “Sonny” Randolph Smith

The all mighty God, graciously took James Smith’s hand and said your heavy burdens and sickness are made whole on Monday, February 10, 2025. James Smith (warmly known as Sonny or Rudolph) transitioned from his earthly home. Sonny was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, on January 8th, 1953, to Marie L. Smith and Rudolph Wilson (Jack) Trotter. Sonny was raised by his paternal grandmother Julia Mae (David) Trotter. She was fondly know as Grandma Mae and made sure he was taken care of because he was her pride and joy. 

Sonny graduated in 1972 from the Franklin County School System. Sonny found his career of 35 years with the Bassett Furniture Co. (Superior Lines Division) as an Assembly man in Bassett, Va. At work and all over Sonny was known as a jolly person who loved to talk with his co-workers. He is fondly remembered as having a warm gentle spirit. His passion was to drive around town and stop frequently at the Flea Market and local eatery’s on his way home. 

He was baptized at Gethsemane Holiness Church in Rocky Mt. Va. by Pastor Moyer and he loved church. Sonny enjoyed giving to others (it’s the little things in life that matter) and helping others. Sonny was a gentle giant and he had love andconcerned for everyone. He knew everything going on in Rocky Mount. One might say he was the Franklin Post News. Sonny never met a stranger and would give them a ride where ever they needed to go. 

He is preceded in death by his mother Marie L. Smith and Father Rudolph Wilson (Jack) Trotter and Paternal Grandmother Julia Mae Trotter. Sonny leaves to cherish three sisters Virginia Eldridge of Shelton, CT., Lana (Karl) Stewart of Rocky Mt. Va, LaPonda Redd Ford of Collinsville, Va., four brothers Michael (Sandra) Trotter, Gary (Natalie) Trotter and Donald Trotter all of Rocky Mt. Va. and Douglas (Vanessa) Trotter of Roanoke, Va. A Special Aunt Mary Lois King (Palm Coast, Florida), and a Special UncleWalter Pilford (Ruby) Trotter of Rocky Mt. Va.. In addition, a host nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.