WILLIE JAMES SMITH, SR.

Willie James Smith, affectionately known as “Sonny” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at his home in Akron, Ohio, at the age of 88, surrounded by family and friends.

Willie was born on September 12, 1937, in Roba, Alabama, to Tommie Lee Smith and Mary Lee Smith. He was raised in the rural South during the Great Depression and came of age in a time that required resilience, determination, and strength of character, qualities that would define his life.

In 1954, Willie moved north as part of what is now known as the Great Migration, seeking opportunity and a better future. He settled in Ohio, where he built a long and honorable career working on the railroad for 37 years. He took great pride in his work and mentored others, including Levester Dukes, who became a lifelong friend. Willie believed deeply in the value of hard work and personal responsibility. If he said he was going to do something, he did it.

Willie was married twice. His first marriage was to Ola Mae. Later, in 1968, he married Patricia West, whom he met as a next-door neighbor. Together, they shared more than 57 years of marriage and raised a large, loving family.

Willie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He found joy in gardening, cooking, listening to blues music, hunting, and fishing, and he could talk about fishing for hours. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren and took great pride in their growth, education, and accomplishments.

In 2011, Willie made a personal dedication and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His faith played an important role in his life and influenced how he treated others, with kindness, integrity, and humility. He considered this dedication one of the most meaningful decisions of his life.

Willie is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Smith; his siblings, Bessie Dent, Bernice Jones, Lonzie Smith, Millie Harriss, and Christine Malone; and his children: Willie James (Pam) Smith Jr., Barbara Canty, Anthony Smith, Brian (Latonya) Smith, Iva Jewell, Terrell (Shawnie) Smith, Aaron (Kaitlyn) Smith, Matthew (Narrissa) Smith, and Brittany Smith. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Caden, Dionne, Domonique, Emmanuel, Jalen, Johnny Jr., Kamiea, Keenan, Keith, Kevin, Keyia, Leshae, Luke, Micah, and Tennesynn.

Willie was preceded in death by his daughter, Selena Walker; his grandson, Willie Jermaine Smith; his siblings, Dorothy Daniels, Ludie Smith Sr., Lucille Snipes, Richard Smith, and Tommy Lee Smith; his grandmother, Mildred Moore; and his aunt, Willie Moore.

Willie’s legacy is one of hard work, honesty, perseverance, and respect for others. He leaves behind generations shaped by his example.

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