Willie L. Smith Sr, born March 17, 1957, in Selma, Alabama to OlaBell Alexander and Charles J. Smith. He moved to Akron, Ohio in the 1970's where he went to North High School until the 10th grade. He had odd jobs here and there until he settled at Duraflame Manufacturing facility as a machine operator. He worked for Duraflame for 12 years until they closed down. Afterwards he was a maintenance worker for Chapel Hill Mall, until he retired due to health issues. Outside of work Willie enjoyed fishing, gambling, and having an ice-cold beer. He was also a ladies' man which is how he met the mother of his four children.

Preceded in death by his parents, OlaBell Alexander and Charles J. Smith; sister, Sheila Smith; grandchildren, Totiana Shufford, Anyla Floyd, and Reginald Nelson Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Estelle Crawford (Frankie), Viola Nelson (Reginald Sr.), Kirsten Shufford; son, Willie L. Smith Jr; sisters, Auntie Gechie, Debra Smith, and Wanda Fay Smith; brothers, David Smith, Daniel Robertson; (23) grandchildren, (53) great grandchildren, as well as a host of family and friends.