The Lord giveth, and he taketh away, but not without the gift of presence and experience. On June 29th 2021, at The Edward Hines VA Hospital with his loving family at his bedside, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Good Friend to many, " William P Smith Sr." [Smitty] was called home by the Creator to take his rightful place amongst his Ancestors.
Born in Grenada, Mississippi [1940] to W.C. and Julie Miller Powell , but raised by Julius and Georgetta Smith in Alton Il., Smitty, affectionately known by those who knew him best, was a proud Military Man and Vietnam Veteran who served 26yrs in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed spending time with friends, family, and especially his Grandchildren. He was a jazz loyalist who loved road trips, collecting rare foreign coins, and bowling. His presence was often accompanied by laughter and storytelling to those in his company. His legacy is continued by his Ex-Wife of 27yrs Dorothy L Edmonds- Smith [who precedes him by 6yrs].
Survived by:
Sons and Daughter:
Keith T Smith and Wife Clarice Smith of Virginia
Albert L Smith and Wife Carla Smith of Illinois
William P Smith Jr. and Wife Tanya Gonzales- Smith of Illinois
Jeannine P Smith-Shoemaker of Wisconsin
Grandchildren:
Jauna Heniadis of Wisconsin
Gabrielle Shoemaker of Wisconsin
Nathaniel Smith of Maine
Rachel Smith of Virginia
Terence Smith of Illinois
Brandon Smith of Illinois
Alana Smith of Virginia
Kendra Johnson-Smith of Texas
Brianne Luksich of Wisconsin
Zoie Smith of Illinois
Jeremy Payne-Smith* of Illinois
Christopher Williams- Smith* of Illinois
Julion Smith of Illinois
Alyssa Williams-Smith* of Illinois
Sydney Luksich of Wisconsin [who precedes him in passing and is at his side]
Alexus Crockett of Maryland
Great-grandchildren:
Demetrius Heniadis of Wisconsin
Andreas Heniadis of Wisconsin
Aiden Smith-Shoemaker of Wisconsin
Tamaine Rodgers of Wisconsin
Patience Pickens of Wisconsin
Nicolas Long of Wisconsin
Cameron Long of Wisconsin
Linkon Wemmer of Wisconsin
Laylah Johnson-Smith of Texas
River-Rose Norris of Wisconsin
Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A final farewell will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. The funeral will then process to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood where full military honors will be rendered and William will be laid to rest.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
9:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life
Thursday, July 15, 2021
12:00 - 12:30 pm (Central time)
Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Starts at 1:30 pm (Central time)
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
Visits: 21
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