Willie R Smith

Willie Roy Smith was born July 2, 1952 to the parents of Nellie Kate Smith and Willie Frank Thomas in Cuthbert, GA. He departed this earthly life February 4, 2023 at MeSun Hospice & Rehab under the care of Agape Hospice in Lawrenceville, GA. Willie received a diploma from Henderson High School in Cuthbert, GA. At an early age he joined Antioch Baptist Church. He was the husband of the late Sandra Coleman Smith and to this union two children was born, Tenetrice and Roderick Smith. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Virginia Thomas, Jimmie Clyde Magwood, Verna Louise Cotton and Willie Mae Jordan; five brothers, Raymond Smith, William Gus Cotton, Elmo Cotton, Bobby Cotton, and Ricky Cotton. He leaves to cherish his memories, his two children, Tenetrice L. Smith of Lilburn, GA, and Roderick B. (Gladys) Smith of Alexandria, VA; one step-son, Antwan D. ( Akia) Smith; three sisters, Bennie Mae of Albany, GA, Mary Lancaster of Boston, MA, and Mattie Cotton of Cuthbert, GA; two brothers, Jackie (Margaret) Cotton of Cuthbert, GA and George (Tammy) Cotton of Stone Mountain, GA; four grandchildren, Demarius “DJ” Smith, David Wright, Kaylee Smith, and Kaleb Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Willie later decided to retire from Baker Hill and go live with his devoted daughter and grandson DJ that he has spent most of his time traveling and supporting his athletic career. Although Willie couldn’t travel overseas to spend time with his other three grandchildren, David, Kaylee, and Kaleb, he found ways to support them and make sure they knew how much he loved and missed them. Willie also loved spending time with his family especially talking on the phone with his siblings, nephews, and nieces on a daily basis. He also loved watching his Atlanta Falcons “Rise Up” on Sunday’s and the Georgia Bulldogs “Dawgs Nation” on Saturday’s. The greatest aspect of his life was getting ready to travel to be with some of his greatest friends (Steve & James Martin and James Daniels) and nephews (Anthony Daniels, Kwane Parker, and Andrew Cotton) in preparation for the “Super Bowl” each year. As time began to pass, Willie decided to leave and live with his nephew Wilburn “Tom” Coleman and Phyllis Vanover for the past 9 ½ years. Tom and his family (Phyllis, Tab, and Monyque) has devoted their time, love, and caring for him not just as a Uncle but as another Father. They had become his other lifeline and he loved them very much. As our father health began to fail, he was admitted under the care of Agape Hospice of Lawrenceville, GA on May 1, 2022. As his health continued to decline, he was later admitted to MeSun Hospice Care where he gained his eternal wings on February 4, 2023. Video Tribute