Name: Memphis Funeral Home
Address: Memphis, TN

In the life of Will Smith,… “Where there’ a Will, there’s a way” …was always the case.  It actually started before he was born.  In June of 1947, the Des Moines River flooded southeast Iowa, making it impossible for Will’s parents to take their normal route to get to the hospital in Oskaloosa.  Blanche, Will’s Mom, had to take a boat to cross the river and get to the hospital. In essence, the motto had to be changed to read: “Where there was a way,… there was Will!!!”

 Will was an entrepreneur from his early childhood.  His first office was in an old chicken coop on the family farm.  He wrote out his bills and his receipts in longhand.  No modern technology there.  The house where he grew up had no running water.  The bathroom was a 2-holer in the backyard.  From these humble beginnings, Will Smith grew to be a modern, successful businessman.  

 Will had a lifelong love of sports.  He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and football.  He and his brother-in-law, Leroy, set up an 18 hole golf course around the yard of the farm house.  In reality, it was one hole (an old tin coffee can sunk in the ground)… and 18-different teeing-off spots.  He had only two clubs, a 5-iron and a 9-iron.  Will insisted on using the 5-iron, leaving the 9-iron for his brother-in-law.

 After graduating from Eddyville High School in 1965 as Salutatorian, he worked at his first retail job at McDonald’s in Ottumwa with his friend Earl.  He was impressed with all the details involved in running a successful business. His interest in business became evident as he started his first real estate venture at the age of 19. He used the money he had earned from the wool of the sheep he cared for as a young man.

 Will attended the University of Iowa where he met Marlys Norby. When Will & Marlys started dating, they would cruise the town in a hearse owned by him and his friend Earl. Will decided that Marlys needed to learn how to play duplicate bridge so, quite often, a Friday night date would be playing duplicate bridge at the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City.  

 In 1967, Will started selling shoes and found his true calling.  On Valentine’s Day in 1968 Will applied for a salesman job at Domby Boot Shop which at the time was “The” women’s shoe store in Iowa.  Marlys received a lovely bouquet of flowers when he told her he had gotten the job- he would be the only salesman there under the age of 50.  

 Will and Marlys became engaged and got married.  Before they were married, he told Marlys that he wanted to own his own shoe store by the time he turned 30.  That dream was fulfilled in June 1977, when he received the phone call that the deal was closed to buy Cook & Love Shoes. At that time, the business consisted of two shoe stores in Memphis, TN.  The call came the evening before his 30th Birthday.

 Will & Marlys’ son Greg was born July 31, 1969 and daughter Kari was born December 20, 1971.  When Greg was getting closer to attending kindergarten, Marlys explained that she did not want him to attend what was referred to as a “popcorn school” in their neighborhood.  By this time, Will & Marlys had acquired three houses in a row.  Will always loved to play Monopoly.  The sale of those three houses would then allow them to build a new home in a new neighborhood in what they considered a good school neighborhood in 1974.  

 When they purchased Cook & Love in 1977, they sold that house to purchase   Cook & Love and a new home in Germantown, TN, where Greg would start 2nd grade and Kari would start kindergarten.  They were determined to live Will’s dream and both were willing to work very hard.

 In 1979, Will thought they should expand Cook & Love Shoes to a store in Jackson, MS, because he had so many customers who would travel to Memphis to buy shoes at Cook & Love from the Jackson area.  Will’s parents came to the Grand Opening and his mother wondered why he had decided to open a store there.  She realized why on the day of the Grand Opening, when a crowd was waiting in front of the store before it opened.

 Cook & Love continued to grow and they opened many other stores across the Mid-South.  Will grew as a much respected trendsetter in the shoe industry.  Will & Marlys always felt very proud of their Cook & Love family and all of their achievements.

 Will was very progressive in his effort to find multiple benefits for the Cook & Love family which was always a challenge for a small business.  One of the benefits was Bonds for Scholars to reward children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren for their scholastic achievement.

 Will has been a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church since 1978 and has served on many committees and the Church Council.  Will and Marlys were founders of the Memphis IOWA Club in 1984, which remains a very active and community involved organization.

 Will was an avid sports fan supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes, Memphis Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and New Orleans Saints.

 Will loved his family, selling shoes and people.  His friends covered the whole country and then some.  He was very thoughtful and generous and spent time thinking of how to make situations better and people happier.  He lit up the room!

 In closing, Will started from the most humble beginnings and truly achieved the American dream.  His determination and desire to own his own shoe store became a reality in 1977.  His generosity to others has been one of the constants that people have been sharing with our family, since he passed away.  His love and kindness knew no bounds.  He helped teach his children the importance of working hard and achieving your goals, as well as making sure that you surround yourself with loving friends.  He made sure that everyone knew his associates were more than just employee’s, they were a part of our family.  

 His love of life was contagious and it was always more fun with Will in the room.  Many memories people have shared with us is his larger than life personality.  Will, was a large part of many people’s lives, and we appreciate hearing what an impact he made on so many different individuals.  We cherish the time we got to spend together while he was with us, but his memory and legacy will live on through us.  Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of love, stories and memories.  He will be in our hearts forever.

Love,
Marlys, Greg, Sarah & Kari

Marlys - I am so sorry for your loss.  Will was a very tall man.  I always enjoyed speanding time with both of you.  

Know that my toughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Marlys and family -  We are deeply saddened to hear of our loss of Will.  You all have our deepest sympathies at this time.  Will's memory will live on.

Rick & Judy Gamel, Venice, Florida/Memphis/Iowa City

Marlys,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family at this difficult time.
Will was  such an honorable man and a true professional in our industry.

Marlys,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

We will never forget how kind Will was to us the first time we met.  We had just moved to the Memphis area and did not know very many people here.  We received a mailer for the UIAA and it talked about the Memphis I-Club and the upcoming potluck at your house.  We went and you and Will made us feel right at home.

We will always remember Will with a big smile on his face and a welcoming hand.

Norm and Kim Kennel

Marlys and family,
Terri and I were so saddened to hear about Will. We will miss him, especially at Hawkeye functions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marlys, Greg & Sarah and Kari,
I'm in disbelief that this has happened so untimely in yours and Will's life. He was loved so many and will be missed dearly. Your friendship has always been cherished and will continue to be. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Mandy King (coalter)

Our heart and prayers go out to your family in this difficult time.  May God Bless you with His strength and peace.

I was deeply saddened to read about your loss.  I came to know Will through a business dealing we had several years ago as a man of great character and integrity.  He was a good and decent person, and I will not forget him.

Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Jeff Sanford

Marlys, I was so shocked to have heard of Will's passing...I always counted it a joy to see the two of you together, always a kind word of encouragement,laughter and a smile that was contagious....Grady Campbell

Marlys, 
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We certainly enjoyed getting to know you and Will when we owned Gill's. We pray for God's comfort for you and your family.

Our heart breaks over the loss of such a wonderful man.  We will never forget the great times; and there were so many great times.  Will touched so many lives over the years and will be missed by many.  We love you all and pray for comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Marlys and Kari,
Bill and I were so saddened to hear about Will.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill & Kathy Chancellor

Mr. Smith did much for mankind with his hard work and dedication. Jesus Christ also did much for mankind, through his undying love and his sacrifice we have been offered the greatest gift one can ever have...live everlasting!
M.Grove, Mphs,Tn

I was so sorry to receive the phone call Marlys about Bill's passing. He was truely a best friend and one I will deeply miss.  His sense of humor and love for the Hawkeyes is what I remembr most along with a host of adventures growing up.  A solid first baseman, good center and one of the strangest jumb shots ever.  The Fab Five is decreaed by another one. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and family.  Vic said Bill was already playiing first base in heaven and I believe that is true for sure, mostly like with an Iowa sweat shirt on.

Marlys and family,
We were of course shocked and saddend to hear of Will's untimely passing.  What a great guy!  Then the memories come rushing in...What fun we use to have.  I'll bet he's already playing first base for some team in Heaven.  

Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family.

We were so sorry to receive the news of Will's passing.  We will remember many memorable times with the Memphis I Club when we had just moved to the area.  The hospitality was just like home.  You family is in our prayers.  Scott, Susie, Nic and Christina Tilton

We were so sorry to receive the news of Will's passing.  We will remember many memorable times with the Memphis I Club when we had just moved to the area.  The hospitality was just like home.  You family is in our prayers.  Scott

Marlys and Family,
 It seems like yesterday that Will and I were playing baseball in the side yard next to his boyhood home.Blanche was always there to find the baseballs we lost. What a bright ,intelligent man.All of us who knew him in his youth will miss him.My prayers go out to all of your family.

Marlys and family,
   I was so sorry to hear about Will.I find myself thinking back about all the wonderful times we all had togeather.Our prayers and thoughts are thinking of you and the family.
                   Jim &Karen Hughett

Greg & Sarah & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Praying for peace and comfort for your family. Gosta & Chuck Turman

We were so shocked and saddened by Will's passing. 
 
Mindy and I, as well as probably many other MIC members, owe much to the Smith's for their Club support and hospitality.  Still remember our first MIC gathering at the Smith's house and how Will & Marlys made us feel so welcome.  That lead to our renewed Iowa passion, as Will was such a great Hawkeye fan.  Always looked forward to speaking with Will & Marlys on our football game trips back to IC and will certainly cherish those memories.
 
Please pass along our condolences to the entire Smith family.

Hi Marlys and Family, 
Sorry to hear about Will, I'm glad we got to see you guys at the last class reunion and the Iowa Football games. We have many great memories from over the years. He was a great guy and never forgot his IOWA ties.
Love, 
 JIm & Karen

Marlys, Greg, Kari & family,

So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Will.  Please accept my sincere condolences.  His memory will live in all of us.

We at Menage Fine Stationery and Gifts are sorry to hear of your loss.  He will be missed by you the family and us who are the retailers close to his store.

Dear Marlys and family,

I am truly saddened to hear of Will's passing.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  I am honored to have met you both and to have worked with him.    
With Deepest Sympathy,

Marlys, Greg, Kari and family,

Ron and I were so shocked to hear of Will's untimley passing.  We thought so much of Will and had so many fun times at the barbeque and all.
Please know that our hearts go out to you all and we are keeping you in our prayers at this time.

With deepest sympathy, 

Ron and Didi Brittain

Marlys and family - I was shocked and saddened to hear of Will's passing.  As one who had a business relationship going back so many years, I can tell you that Will was not only always a gentleman but he was truly a superstar in the footwear industry.  Will left his mark on many of us and made us better human beings.  He will be sadly missed.  My thoughts are prayers are with you.

Dear Marlys, Greg, Kari and Family,
You have our deepest sympathy.  I am totally at a loss to tell you how sorry I am for Will's passing.  You have all been friends for so very long.  We love you all and will have you in our prayers.

Marlys and Family -

So sorry to hear about Bills" untimely death.  It sure was a shock to all people in the Eddyville area.  You have my deepest sympathy.  Bill always had such a good outlook on life.  I can remember a lot ot good times with Bill, Jim, and Gordy.
My Best to You in the Future.
Love
Wilbur (Web) Vroegh

Marlys,Kari,Greg & Sarah,
We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We have so many wonderful memories with your family. I know GOD will wrap his arms around all of you as you work through the next few weeks. Will was a good friend and he will be missed so much. We are so sorry for your loss.
Bob & Susan James

Dear Marlys,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dominique and Lupe Minassian

Marlys,Greg,Kari and Family;
Sorry to hear of your loss of Will,He will be greatly missed in Business World.
My prays are with you all.

Marlys, was so shocked to hear of Will's passing.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and family. I have alway enjoyed my association with the both of you.
Jim Luckie

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Smith Family,

I am so saddened to hear of Will's passing.  Both he and Marlys were so kind to me years ago when I moved to Memphis for my job.  Will was a pleasure to work with and had a great wealth of knowledge about the shoe business. It was great to see him again in February at the Atlanta Shoe Show.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Jeana Thomas
Nina Footwear

Dear Marlys,
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband Will whom we shared some time with at Kristin and Eric Voelker's wedding, but whom we got to know so much better through the cherished stories Ann and Earl have shared with us throughout the years.  We know he will truly be missed by them.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely...Janet and Carl Sullo (parents of Kristin Voelker)

Kari and family - Every occasion I ever spent with your dad and mom was filled with fun, love and open arms.  What an awesome example your dad was of how to live and love life.  May God comfort you and always know whenever anyone thinks of Will, they will smile and have a great memory.

Marlys and the Iowa Club,
Please accept the condolences of the Michigan Club.  Will was a great guy and always friendly toward us.  We'll miss him.

Mike Schooler and The University of Michigan Club of Memphis

Mrs. Smith, Greg, & Kari,

We were so sad to hear of the loss of your husband and father.  Will was a wonderful friend and a mentor to so many in our industry.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Brucettes Shoes

May God's peace be with you all in this time of sorrow. We will miss Will.

Pat and Dan Marzahl

Dear Mrs. Smith, Greg & Kari,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father.  I will always remember Mr. Smith for his gregarious manner, quick wit and generosity.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mikey

Marlys and family - So saddened to hear of Will's sudden passing.  My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of you thru out this difficult time.  He will be so missed by all of us that knew and loved him.  With my deepest sympathy, Linda

Marlys,

My heart goes out to you and your family. It was always such fun when the Memphis IOWA Club made their way to Iowa City and we would get the pleasure of not only your company but the wonderful southern BBQ you would provide. It won't be the same without Will there.

May you take comfort in loving memories of Will. He will always have a special place in my heart and will be missed by many. 

With deepest sympathy.

Marlys,Kari and Greg,

My deepest sympathy to your family.Will was an extraor
dinary man and a very dear friend of Mike Bray. We will always remember the fun laughs and stories shared by the two of them. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless.  Barb Bray-Westphale and Matthew Bray

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Marlys and all of Will's family.

OBITUARY

William B Smith

26 June, 1947 – 19 April, 2011

Memphis Funeral Home

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