Willie F. Smith III 1948-2020

Mr. Smith departed this life Monday, June 22, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, surrounded by his children.

Mr. Smith was born Jan. 28, 1948, in Pelham Ga., the son of Idella Simpson and Willie Frank Smith Jr.

He graduated from Pelham High School in 1966, then enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War.

After serving in the Army, he moved to Youngstown and fell in love with Judy Smith.

He was formerly employed with General Motors in Lordstown, retiring after 30 years of service.

He was of the Baptist faith.

His hobbies were watching sports, playing spades, spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his family deeply.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy his children, Tammy (Solomon) Christian, Tamiki Shepard, Willie Smith IV of Youngstown, Marcy Jennings of Columbus, Jaivaun Dodge of Youngstown and Shalisa Smith of Hartford, Conn.; three stepsons, Carlton Baker of Howland, Lamar Jacobs of Youngstown and Kenneth Jacobs of Maine; his cousins, Kenneth Simpson of Youngstown, Fermal Simpson of Florida and Bruce Francis of Valdosta, Ga., whom he loved as brothers; his sister-in-law, Ollie Crimley; 19 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives, including his niece, Patricia Crimley of Hampton, Ga.; and a host of dear friends, including Deborah Jennings, the mother of two of his children, to whom he remained very close.

He was preceded in death by his ex-wife and best friend, Judy Smith; his cousin, Norman Francis; and his aunt, Gladys Simpson.

(special notice)