William Paul "Smitty" Smith Sr.

The Lord giveth, and he taketh away, but not without the gift of presence and experience. On June 29th 2021, at The Edward Hines VA Hospital with his loving family at his bedside, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Good Friend to many, " William P Smith Sr." [Smitty] was called home by the Creator to take his rightful place amongst his Ancestors.

Born in Grenada, Mississippi [1940] to W.C. and Julie Miller Powell , but raised by Julius and Georgetta Smith in Alton Il., Smitty, affectionately known by those who knew him best, was a proud Military Man and Vietnam Veteran who served 26yrs in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed spending time with friends, family, and especially his Grandchildren. He was a jazz loyalist who loved road trips, collecting rare foreign coins, and bowling. His presence was often accompanied by laughter and storytelling to those in his company. His legacy is continued by his Ex-Wife of 27yrs Dorothy L Edmonds- Smith [who precedes him by 6yrs].

Survived by:

Sons and Daughter:

Keith T Smith and Wife Clarice Smith of Virginia

Albert L Smith and Wife Carla Smith of Illinois

William P Smith Jr. and Wife Tanya Gonzales- Smith of Illinois

Jeannine P Smith-Shoemaker of Wisconsin

Grandchildren:

Jauna Heniadis of Wisconsin

Gabrielle Shoemaker of Wisconsin

Nathaniel Smith of Maine

Rachel Smith of Virginia

Terence Smith of Illinois

Brandon Smith of Illinois

Alana Smith of Virginia

Kendra Johnson-Smith of Texas

Brianne Luksich of Wisconsin

Zoie Smith of Illinois

Jeremy Payne-Smith* of Illinois

Christopher Williams- Smith* of Illinois

Julion Smith of Illinois

Alyssa Williams-Smith* of Illinois

Sydney Luksich of Wisconsin [who precedes him in passing and is at his side]

Alexus Crockett of Maryland

Great-grandchildren:

Demetrius Heniadis of Wisconsin

Andreas Heniadis of Wisconsin

Aiden Smith-Shoemaker of Wisconsin

Tamaine Rodgers of Wisconsin

Patience Pickens of Wisconsin

Nicolas Long of Wisconsin

Cameron Long of Wisconsin

Linkon Wemmer of Wisconsin

Laylah Johnson-Smith of Texas

River-Rose Norris of Wisconsin

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A final farewell will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. The funeral will then process to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood where full military honors will be rendered and William will be laid to rest.