Deacon Isaac Smith Jr. was born on March 23, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama to the union of Isaac Smith Sr. and Lillie McGhee Smith. He was the oldest of four boys. At an early age, he joined Tabernacle Baptist Church and received Christ as his Lord and Savior. An active member, Isaac served as a Deacon. He was a part of the group that brought communion to church members that were unable to attend church, the group that became known as the "Traveling Deacons." He was also a Tabernacle Charities committee member, singer in the Sanctuary Choir and Male Chorus, and a devoted Sunday school member.

He was educated in the Birmingham Public School System at Tuggle Elementary School and graduated from A.H. Parker High School in 1949. From an early age, Isaac was identified as a gifted singer. When he was in high school, his tenor voice was so high the choir director moved him to the soprano section. As a young teenager, he sang in several weddings and continued to do so in his older age expanding to special events and funerals.

Deacon Smith married the love of his life, the beautiful Maggie Abernathy in 1953. To this union three children were born. Isaac was a gifted artist in many ways. He was often tapped to draw and paint portraits of colleagues, family, and friends. He would often "doodle" masterpieces in leisure that awed his family. A family man, Isaac enjoyed the holidays. He often prepared peanut brittle and dressing for his large family and network of friends.
Isaac worked for several companies and he often maintained 2 jobs at a time to support his family. Isaac was a devoted employee and retired from Bruno's after 33 years.

Isaac ran the race on this side with grace, humor, and love until Monday, February 5, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his wife Maggie Abernathy Smith of 48 years, Howard Smith (brother), Melvin Smith Sr. (brother), Calvin Bruce Bates (son-in-law). Those who will cherish his memories: his children, Debra Lane Smith Bates, Isaac Smith, III (Annette), Reginald Santana Smith (Debra) of Birmingham, AL. Others cherishing his memories are his brother Motis Smith and aunt, Mary McGhee, and a special cousin, Creola (Peaches) Gillespie. His grandchildren: Kemba Smith, Tony Whitaker, Kristian Hill (Eldrick), Isaac Brian Smith (Alegra), Ian Brandon Smith, Tameka Kelly, Percilla Johnson (Michael), Glorious Bates, Kimberlyn Bates; eleven great grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.