On December 10 ^th , 2020 God called down from heaven and Willie Smith Jr ., age 83 graciously and peacefully accepted God's call at MD Anderson Hospital. Willie Smith was born on October 19 ^th , 1937 to the late William Smith Sr and Dorothy Smith. He was joined in holy matrimony to Mae Belle Smith on November 18, 1969. To this union three wonderful children were born.

His early education was acquired in Lake Charles, La at Sacred Heart School and he went on to graduate High School from W.O Boston High in 1957. He completed his studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA where he received a Bachelor of Art, and further his studies at McNeese University where he received a Master of Sciences in Educational Leadership. Willie Smith was employed by the Calcasieu Parish School Board for 30+ years as a principal, assistant principal and a classroom teacher before retiring in 1997. Willie was a member of Omega Psi Fraternity Inc.

He was known for his generous heart and the desire to always put others first. He was a family man who devoted his life to providing for his wife, children and anyone else in need. He loved to cook and watch others eat the food he prepared. He had a passion for gardening and planting fresh vegetables.  He enjoyed discussing and watching politics. He found endless joy in his six grandchildren and loved spending quality time with them. He looked forward to reminiscing regarding old times with his best friends George Chretien, Harold Winey, the late Henry "Bubba" Griffin and Julius Pierce. He loved watching sports with his children. Receiving the newspaper each day was one of the many things he looked forward to. One of his favorite past times was enjoying joking and laughing with his nephew Kurt and his niece Karen. He cherished spending time with his barber Dwight Malveaux as well. All those priceless memories will be cherished and not forgotten.

His life legacy and love will forever live in the hearts of his loving wife; Mae Belle Smith of 51 years, his children; Eric (Paula) Smith, Christy (Michael)Wilson of Houston Tx, Sean (Phylicia) Smith of Madisonville, LA; his grandchildren Sydnee and Caleb Smith, Yahaira Davis, Lauryn Wilson, Ayden and Jaxon Smith, and his two sisters Patricia Smith, Edna Marie Davis. He is also survived by his brother-in-laws: Joel (Donella), Fredman (Geraldine), Kirby (Semonia); sister-in laws Rosa Bello, Syrilda Guillory. His godchildren Lawana Guillory and Kyrick Picou and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends

Willie was preceded in death by his parents William and Dorothy Smith Sr, his sister Marilyn Despenza, mother and father-in-law Fredman and Irene Hardy Sr., two nephews: Kevin Hardy and Dana Despenza and one niece Monica Guillory.