James (Cheeze) Robert Smith Jr., 74, of Covington, Virginia, gained his racing wings to heaven on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Cheeze attended Watson High School in Covington, also continuing his education in trade school to be a mechanic and worked as an auctioneer.
He later worked for Columbia Gas Company. He followed by giving back to his community and had the need for speed on the racetrack.
He was a son of the late Virginia Carter (mother) and James Smith (father).
He was born on January 17, 1950 in the heart of Detroit, Michigan.
He leaves to cherish his memory his oldest sister on his mother's side, Mable "Winnie" Cattling, Penny Carter, and brother, David Penn; nieces, Tonya Penn, Robertnette Moore, Karen Cattling, and Jeanette Barber' nephews, Jimmie Cattling, William Barber; his significant other, Margaret Burks; three sons, Mark Hunter, Shaun Smith, and Nat Smith, and Erika Hunter, Kendra Smith, Robert Burks; seven grandchildren, Ariana Beverly, D'Era Williams, Travon Hunter-Shelton, T'era Hunter-Shelton, Shaun Smith Jr., Daylin Smith, and Mark Hunter II; eight extended family members, Ryan Hunter, LaShonda Ochieng, Quinton Hunter, Amiah Hunter, Zyaire Smith, London Smith, DeAndre Burks, SaNika Allen; great grandkids, Trinity and Serenity Taylor, Jah'Meer Williams, Zai’Veon Gamble; and extended great grandchildren Makeena McLear, Aluka and Zander Ochieng, Anayiah Hunter, Naomi, Zane and Zayden Burks; with an additional of 35 great nieces and nephews and 23 great-great nieces and nephews, all from Rochester, New York, except Jeanette Barber (Roanoke); a first cousin, T.L. Dickerson of Covington; and a goddaughter, Ja'Vonne Lewis of Roanoke.
Cheeze was known for helping the community and known as "Cheeze Claus" during the Christmas parades. Plus, for his wonderful voice whenever he felt the need to sing his testimony song "May the work I've done speak for me" by Just Keith and Evelyn.
Every weekend you could either find him under the hood of his race car or at one of his favorite racing tracks - "“"Eastside Dragway or Natural Bridge Dragway". Now his true love was drag racing, where he spent most of his time in his 1957 Chevy Bel Air - one of the fastest accelerating vehicles known on the tracks.
Being able to burn rubber on the racetrack brought joy to him. He's a part of the Alleghany Cruisers, so everyone knew when the "Bat Out of Hell" was coming down the street. The "Bat Out of Hell" was his most prized possession. He spent so much time getting that car looking as it does now.
When he wasn't burning rubber out on the racetrack, he was doing his other interest, hunting. Cheeze loved to either spend time hunting alone or with his grandkids. This had been an interest of his since he was a child.
No matter where he was or where he went, he wasn't afraid to meet new people - he embraced everyone who crossed him. He had so many people who looked up to him from all ages. He will be greatly missed. Theres no one who can take his place.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Curfman Hall at Covington Middle School with Rev. Gregory Scott officiating.
Following the service and in accordance with his wishes, his body will be cremated.
The family will receive their friends on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Arritt Funeral Home from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.
