Mr. Willie M. Smith Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The Beginning On Monday, April 16, 1956, Willie Milford Smith, Jr. was born to the parents of Elizabeth Carol Smith and Willie Milford Smith Sr. in Saginaw, Michigan. The Village Arthur and Datie Thompson, affectionately known to their children and grandchildren as Mama & Daddy believed in keeping the family close guaranteeing prosperity. Ultimately, Willie was raised by his loving grandparents and his family village. The village extended to the circle of three uncles, Arthur, Sidney, and Jerome Thompson; three aunts, Jacqueline Ward, Audrey Thompson, and Patricia “TC” Lloyd; and five cousins who became his brothers, Marshall Ward, James McMillan, Craig Ward, and Tyson Ward; one sister, Delphine McMillan. The Life Journey Earlier in his life, Willie most meaningful experience during his journey was accepting Christ as his personal Savior. He joined Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Reverend Isaiah Snelling. Willie received his formal education in the public schools of the Saginaw City School District (Potter Elementary, Arthur Eddy Junior High, and Saginaw High School). He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1975 and received basic combat training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After completing Basic Training, Willie received Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Ord, California, where he learned and succeeded in his military career as an aircraft mechanic. He was assigned overseas reported for active duty at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. In June 1979 he was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army. Willie continued that same level of commitment and dedication as he later did during his employment as a skillful building maintenance engineer and a trustworthy tax preparer working and serving his community as he met the needs of the people. The Destination Willie love, goodwill, strength, faith, and family legacy will reign forever. God called him from labor to reward, as he was peacefully ushered into God presence on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, with family close to his side. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his beloved mother, Elizabeth Carol Williams of Detroit, Michigan; admired sister, Tracee Williams of Detroit, Michigan; special brothers/cousins, Marshall (Irma) Ward, James (Ola) McMillan, and Craig Ward of Saginaw, Michigan. Also, he leaves his special sister/cousin, Delphine McMillan-Hopkins of Saginaw, Michigan; dearest aunts, Patricia “TC” Lloyd, Vivian and Atlanta Thompson, all of Saginaw, Michigan and ; along with a host of loving and supportive nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, especially his close friends, Lupe Davis, Sunday Russell and the Elmwood Manor family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur and Datie Thompson; father, Willie Milford Smith, Sr.; four sisters, Aissia, Marchelle, Yvette and Dawn Williams; one brother, Irvin Williams; brother/cousin, Tyson (Tunia) Ward; three uncles, Arthur, Sidney, and Jerome Thompson and two aunts, Jacqueline Ward, and Audrey Thompson. “Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul” Funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 1111 North 29th Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Pastor Willie R. Hill, Jr. will officiate. Interment will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442. Visitation will be 9:00 AM until the time of service.

Mr. Willie M. Smith Jr.

April 16, 1956 - July 12, 2022