William Smallwood

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, William was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. William is survived by his wife, Lexi Kilmore; son, Silas Mellinger; parents, Chris and Sarah Speakman and Chris and Sarah Smallwood; brother, Drew McCown; and grandmothers, Peggy Ayotte and Kathy Smallwood. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ronald Ayotte and Charles Smallwood. William was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, attended school, and was confirmed. He was guided in his walk with Jesus by his godparents, Jeff Foster and Jeri Thomas. William graduated from Bartlett High School and began working as an electrician. In 2019, William put down his pliers and picked up his M4 as he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He trained at Parris Island and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (aka the 2/3). While in Japan, he served as an instructor at the Marine Corps Jungle Warfare Training Center, training hundreds of other Marines. As a member of the 2/3, William exemplified his unit's motto of "Fortuna Fortes Juvat (Fortune Favors the Brave)." He truly was an "Island Warrior." In January 2022, William transitioned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Division, to counter China's aggressive policies in the Pacific region. Nothing made William happier than rappelling and hiking around Oahu. He loved making people laugh and dancing. If you were lucky, you’d get a glimpse of his million dollar smile that lit up every crease in his face. When he walked into a room, everyone noticed. William had a profound effect on all who knew him. In the simplest terms and most convenient definition, he was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, and brother-in-arms. He was a dedicated U.S. Marine and a Christian who had an unbelievable relationship with Jesus; his favorite verse was the 23rd Psalm. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was loved beyond measure by his family and friends. However, we shall be together with him in heaven. He is at perfect peace with our Lord and Savior.

A gathering of family and friends for William will be held Friday, September 9, 2022 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.The gathering will resume Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A celebration of life service will occur Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Chapel, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Smallwood family.