Mr. Willie James Smith

Mr. Willie James Smith, Sr. was born in Cuthbert, Georgia on October 15, 1926. He relocated to Florida at a very young age with his parents. Willie worked for Roper in the Citrus Industry as a Sprayer for approximately sixty years. He was a dedicated worker who loved his job. He was a friendly person and will always be remembered by his bright smile. He enjoyed Gospel Quartet singing, Baseball and was an avid Orlando Magic Fan. His remote control was his best friend. He received Christ as his personal Savior and united with Bethlehem Baptist Church on July 15, 1958; where he worshipped until his health began to fail. He married Leola Smith on June 15, 1985 and one child, Ricky was born to this union. A beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend entered into eternal rest on May 23, 2015. He was preceded in death by his father Sylvester Smith and mother, Edna Smith; one son, Torris Smith; one brother, John Smith, Sr.; stepdaughters, Mamie Lou Rawls and Evelyn Powell; stepsons, John Henry Rawls, Jr. and Willie Earl Rawls. Love Lives on Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart for as long as there is memory; they’ll live on in the heart. He leaves to cherish his memories to his devoted wife, Leola Smith whom she affectionately called him “Shorty.” He leaves to cherish his fond memories: four loving daughters, Patricia Ann DeVose (Robert) Orlando, Florida, Mary Birdsong (Henry) Winter Garden, Florida, Emma Jean Battle (Benjamin, Sr.) Winter Garden, Florida and Brenda Anderson (Frederick) Winter Garden, Florida; four sons, Willie James Smith, Jr., Bishop Smith, Bruce Smith, all of Winter Garden, Florida and Ricky Rawls, Albany, New York; one stepdaughter Mary Walker (Herman), Rockledge, Florida; four stepsons, Thedies Rawls, Oliver Rawls and Lonnie Rawls, all of Winter Garden, Florida and Lorenzo Rawls, Orlando, Florida; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; fourteen great, great grandchildren; twenty-five step grandchildren; fourteen step great, great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Mr. Willie James Smith

October 15, 1926 - May 23, 2015