Mr. Willie James Smith, Sr. was born July 25, 1954 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Willie and Lula (Rouster) Smith. Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at the age of 65 years.
Willie was baptized and gave his life to Christ at an early age. He graduated from Saginaw High School, “Class of 1972.” He then joined the United States Army and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant. After his tenure in the army, he worked for General Motors Corporation and retired from there in 2004.
Willie was a member of the 33rd Mason organization. He was active in the organization and active within his community. He was a family man that cherish moments with his children and grandchildren. His love for life and family will always be remembered and his presence shall never be forgotten.
Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Smith; parents, Willie and Lula Smith; brothers, David Sr. (Connie) Smith, Jerry Brown; sister, Caron Caine; cousin, Dan Rouster Jr.
He leaves precious memories with nine children, Tanesha, Willie Smith, Jr., Antonio Bryant, Anjlica (Antonio) Moore, Starkeisha Bryant, Anthony Gilbert, Donnie Smith, Cindy and Tamar Smith; grandchildren, Ari’onna Smith, Kennedy Youngblood, Grand Rapids, Michigan, JejDavioun, She’Caria, Zharia, Zaven, Deasia Bryant, DeAundre’ Blount, DeMay, Demond, Cedriana Bryane; great-grandchildren, Ahna, Jay’ceon, Amelia Trammel; sisters, Rose Mary Washington, Ladonna Smith, both of Vicksburg, Mississippi; brothers, Terry, Casey and David Smith; nieces, Dr. Shanelle (Shaun) Smith-White, Shantoya, Tacarra Blair; nephews, David Jr., Terry Jr., Peris, Demitrius, Detrick, Demarcus Smith, Tramaine, William Garth, Dontrell Blair; cousins, Kathy Rouster, Larry Gaskew, Betty Rouster; mother-in-law, Bertha Garth; sisters-in-law, Janice Garth, Brenda (Dennis) Blair; brothers-in-law, William Garth Jr., Reginald Garth; many other relatives and friends, including his childhood friend and loving companion of seventeen years, Debra Ann Whitehead.
The family would like to express special thanks to District 6, Ralph Bunch, Grand Lodge Masons, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.
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