Willie was educated in the Chicago Public School System, attending Medill Elementary School and graduating from Crane High School. He completed two years at Sioux Falls College in South Dakota.
Willie had a love for cars and motorcycles much like his father Sr. Willie was known for being a sharp dresser as well as brother Kenneth whom he nicknamed “Tack” meaning “sharp as a tack”. Willie was also talented in sports, especially baseball and basketball. He had a promising career until he injured both knees.
He met his wife Denise Redding in 1969, they were married in 1971. To this union was born a son, Kevin Smith. Willie loved his wife Nicey and affectionately called her “Pookie”. He often spoke of her cooking a particularly favorite dish Oxtail Soup. Willie and Denise were baptized on the same day August 7, 1977 at Samaritan Bible Baptist Church. Denise preceded him in death due to a lifelong battle with Sickle Cell Anemia. This was great loss to husband and son.
Willie refused to leave Colorado, he wanted to make certain that he would be laid to rest with his wife Nicey. Willie had a special concern for his Mother-in-Law Dolores Redding. He felt Mrs. Redding’s passing deeply.
Willie worked at Denver Broncos Stadium, as a manager of security until he retired. He would share stories of “stars/ pros“ he had the opportunity to meet. He also worked for the Salvation Army for a period of time. It was there that he met his good friend Mr. Bobby. He helped Willie get to Dr. Appointments and get his prescriptions filled, he also ran many errands as Willie’s mobility became limited.
Willie had a great, humorous and gentle spirit. He often came up with nicknames, terms of endearment for loved ones. Willie accepted Christ at an early age. In his latter years, he would share in phone conversations his love for God, prayers and Scriptures. He spoke of how he was grateful to God for His Goodness and keeping him throughout his life. Willie had a great love for family. He had plans to map out a family tree. He often called family members saying he just wanted to hear their voice. He also desired to write his life story. Sadly Willie was called home before he could finish it.
Willie was preceded in death by his father Willie B. Smith Sr., mother Josephine Smith, brothers Kenneth (Victoria) Smith and Michael Smith.
Willie leaves to mourn his death and cherish his memory Sons Willie B. Smith III (Nannette) and Kevin Lamont Smith (Audrey). Four Granddaughters Haylee, Jordan, Amber and Brooke, Sisters Crystal Shakespeare, Felecia (Jeffrey) Wilson, brothers Shannon Smith and Derrick Smith (Karen) two aunts Shirley Haynesworth of Michigan and Joan Morrow of California, one uncle Huron (Sonny) Smith of California, and a host of nieces, nephews, sisters in laws and brothers in laws, cousins and dear friends.
A celebration of life for Willie will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemete, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231, followed by a graveside service from at 12:30 PM.
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