Willard Wheeler Smith

Willard Wheeler Smith, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Wheeler was born April 10, 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama to Carolyn and Leslie Smith Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leslie Smith Jr. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynn Smith, and his two children, Tylee Smith Kessler and Nathan Smith. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lyndy and Katherine Smith and Charlie and Dani Kessler. Wheeler was a southern gentlemen with a kind heart and a keen intellect. He had a quick, quirky wit and loved music and dancing. He found joy in helping others, Lake Martin sunsets, but most of all in his family. He graduated from the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law. At Alabama, he was a Sigma Chi and he remained active throughout his life. He practiced law in Birmingham for 40 years and was also very active in his community and church activities. He spent many years on the vestry of his church and volunteering on various boards. But his favorite volunteer role was as coach, spending countless hours throwing the ball with his kids in the backyard. Wheeler was a blessing to those who knew him. We all learned so much from him and thank God for his presence in our lives. A family service will be held this week with a celebration of life to follow in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CJFS's CARES program at cjfsbham.org or to The Alzheimer's Association.