Jimmy Smalley

Jimmy Benard Smalley

February 1, 1953 – June 5, 2025

Jimmy Benard Smalley, age 72, of Cottondale, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Magnolia Chapel South on Saturday, June 21st at 3:00 p.m., with Artie Shaul officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at 2:00 p.m.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buary and Audrey Blake Smalley, and his brothers Searcy, Douglas, Wayne, and Robert Smalley.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Brannon Smalley (Christina); grandson, Mason Smalley; brothers, Aden Smalley (Linda), Bruce Smalley, and Steve Smalley; many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends; former daughter-in-law, Kimberly Camp Smalley; and his former wife of 45 years, Charlene Smalley, mother of his son and Nana to his grandson.

Born on February 1, 1953, Jimmy was a proud Alabama native who lived as a child in the Piney Woods community in north Tuscaloosa County. He was baptized in the waters of Benny Bonds Lake, a memory he held close throughout his life.

At around 13 years old, Jimmy moved to Holt, Alabama, where he graduated from Holt High School in 1971. A proud patriot, Jimmy served his country in the National Guard and was honorably discharged. He carried deep respect for military service and remained fiercely patriotic throughout his life.

Jimmy earned a degree in respiratory therapy from Wallace State College. He worked at Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company for many years. After retirement, he owned and operated Jake’s Properties where he became a jack of all trades until officially stepping away earlier this year.

Jimmy was a true original and many things to so many people — a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a best friend, an uncle — and most importantly to him, Papa. Of all the titles he held in life, none brought him greater pride or joy than being Papa to Mason. Mason will always remember Papa’s Saturday morning donut deliveries, running from the "big waves" at the beach, weekly dinners at the Mexican restaurant with Nana and Papa, and little rides on the back of Papa’s Harley.

In his younger days, he raced motocross, was a skilled water skier, and had a fearless love for speed and competition. He was also an exceptional hunter and marksman who respected the outdoors and the skill it took to thrive in it. He found joy in nature, especially in the Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove.

He was a lifelong Harley-Davidson enthusiast who loved nothing more than exploring the open road—especially beside his best friend and brother, Aden. Jimmy had a love for animals, especially his late companions, Jake and Velcro, and donated to the local animal shelter.

He knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures—a grilled steak, a cold beer, a big ol' ice cream cone, and spending time with those he loved the most. There will never be another Jimmy Smalley—and that’s exactly how he would have wanted it.

Honorary pallbearers are Mason Smalley, Johnny and Teresa Gray, Andy Williams, Lynn Corder, and Larry Chesnutt.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter or the Tuscaloosa chapter of the American Legion in Jimmy’s memory.