Willie Smith, Jr.

Wille Otis Smith Jr. transitioned to eternal life March 26th 2022 at 1:15am in Centerville, MN surrounded by family and friends of congestive heart failure.

Preceeded in death by his his parents Willie and Lucile Smith, sister Maxine, brothers Darnell and Carl, and second wife Debra Smith.

Survived by Sister Elaine Gipson, brother Larry Smith, sons Savaahn Ty (wife Angela Ty, children Marqes, Cal, Savaahn Jr, Savaahna, Oliver, and Etta), Zavier Smith (children Hailey Martin, Trenton Smith, Taliah Smith), Daughters Somorae Anderson (husband Tim daughters Harley and Lydia) and Hannah Smith (Josh daughters Madison and Brooklynn), his first wife Lorri Fielding, and his third wife Lisa Smith.

Willie was born in Chicago Illinois August 6th 1951. His early life growing up in South Side Chicago provided him with leadership skills that prepared him for a life of duty and service to his country and those around him. He worked at Regions and United hospitals as a PCA and Physical Therapy Assistant and enjoyed brining his unique style of care and humor to his co-workers and patients. As a volunteer coach for numerous youth Baseball, Football, and Basketball teams and a semi pro football team, he taught countless young men and women to grow to be a better version of themselves. Willie was there to pick you up when you couldn’t get a ride to practice. If he needed, he would pickup half the team to make then game. He was always there to help you when you were at you lowest and would do anything it took to make your life better. If it was within his power to accomplish something for you, he would make it happen. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend a Saint Thomas Academy football or basketball game and if his kids or grandchildren had a sporting event he tried to attend as many he could physically be there for. His cheers and motivational words would boom above all the other noises of the events. His belief in God pushed him to search for the good in everyone around him.

Services will be held at Bradshaw Funeral Center 4600 Greenhaven Dr. Saint Paul, MN 55127 with a visitation from 1:00 – 3:00pm and the service beginning at 3pm. There will be a catered social hour to follow.