Edward "Will" William Smith

Edward William “Will” Smith, age 75, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on January 20th,2023 at Centerpoint Medical Center. His final moments on Earth were spent peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26,2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel, 509 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO, 64050.

Will was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 12, 1947 to Maxie Lee Smith and Jewell Elaine Smith. He had one brother, Rocky Lee Smith.

Will received his GED as a teenager; and at the age of 18, began his career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement.

In life, he was blessed with a wife of more than 55 years, Linda Glee, a woman he considered his biggest supporter. It was common to see love notes addressed to her scattered throughout his home. He often wrote and talked about his appreciation for his wife and the care she showed him throughout their marriage.

Together, the couple had two daughters Allison Nicole and Alexa Janelle. The girls were Will’s pride and joy. He loved each member of his family with a heart full of love and dedication to their well-being.

As an adult, Will was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed a variety of passions including cars, martial arts, flying, journaling, artwork, music, sketching, swimming, reading, writing, video games and of course… peanut butter!

His go-to dessert was usually peanut butter cookies or brownies with peanut butter on top.

Will was also an animal lover, and had many dogs and cats throughout his life. He often incorporated drawings of his cats into his artwork, and enjoyed playing the harmonica while his loyal dog, Dojo, howled along.

When it came to cars, Will once said that when he laid eyes on his first Corvette, it was love at first sight. He was proud to own three different Corvette’s throughout his life, as well as a Ford Model A. In the late-1970s, he sold his Model A in order to afford flying lessons. He reached a turning point in his aviation experience when he completed his first solo flight on October 28, 1982. Will eventually went on to obtain a Radio License and Pilot’s License. For him, being in the sky and in control of a flying metal bird was a life-changing experience.

In September of 1988, Will received his black belt in taekwondo, and soon became intent on teaching. He joined the International Council of Martial Arts Education, and began a career providing martial arts lessons from the dojo built in his back-yard. Martial Arts became a lifelong passion. He was not only interested in the physical discipline of martial arts, but the philosophical aspect as well. He began to incorporate some principles of bushido and zen into his life, emphasizing the roles of respect, self-discipline, protecting others, and overcoming fear to act.

In continuing his passion for self-defense, Will went on to become a licensed firearms dealer through the ATF, where he was proud to arm others and teach them to protect themselves.

Will had a talent for home maintenance, contributing to his household through his various projects and installations. Among these were kitchen cabinets, closets, the stairs, new floors, a deck, a bathroom shower, and several other home-improvement projects. Will left his mark on his home through the artwork he displayed. He enjoyed decorating his home with peaceful paintings, knick knacks, and trinkets.

Walking into Will’s backyard was like entering a fairy-tale world. He and Linda cultivated a tranquil environment, laid with hidden stone paths, surrounded on the sides by tall trees and sun-dappled leaves. Will maintained the blue pool as well as a shaded pond, wildflowers growing along the edge. He built a deck, a fence, and (half) a treehouse; decorated the yard with wind chimes and gazing orbs, while his wife cared for the blooming flowers, and helped save the lives of any insects that had fallen in the pool water. Will treated his home and yard like its own piece of art. Dragonflies and butterflies were always zipping about.

He created a safe environment for his children and grandchildren where each felt loved and respected. If you ever had a problem, he was there to listen and offer advice without being judgmental. He enjoyed being a part of his children and grandchildren’s lives. As children, his grandkids spent the night every other weekend. On these weekends, he made up games (such as box tag), told stories, taught them martial arts in the dojo, went on adventures in the park, shared advice, bought countless pool toys, helped roast marshmallows by the fire, played video games with them, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and live with honor and integrity. His love had a special impact on each grandchild, and each will carry his love for the rest of their lives.

Due to his creative character, Will leaves behind a large collection of artwork including paintings, sketches, doodles, and drawings; as well as dozens of journals filled with short stories, prose, artwork, and personal insights into life around him. He owned a large collection of books and formed a habit of signing his name in the ones he read.

Will was preceded in death by his parents, Maxie and Jewell, and his youngest daughter, Alexa.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Glee; daughter, Allison; brother, Rocky; grandchildren: Autumn, Aubrie, Breana, and Blaire; son-in-laws David Smith and Curtis Cowan; sister-in-law Susan Raymond; brother-in-law, Steve Raymond; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Will was a husband, a father, a brother, and Papa. Without him, life has changed forever. He touched the lives of many around him.

He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.