Final Arrangements entrusted to Emanuel Funeral Home-Palestine.

Services: Saturday, February 22, 2014 11:00 am
Grant Chapel AME Church, 708 South Street, Palestine, Texas 75801

Officiating: Elder Ray Charles Emanuel

Eulogist: Pastor Kennen W. Jackson

Interment following Service at Mason Cemetery, Palestine, Texas

Visitation: Friday, February 21, 2014 at Emanuel Funeral Home-Palestine
1721 W. Oak Street, Palestine, Texas 75801
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

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THE HOME-GOING CELEBRATION
OF
BROTHER WILLIE SMITH, SR.


Brother Willie Smith was born on February 29, 1920, to the parents of A.B. & Roberta
(Clewis) Smith, he was the eldest of his siblings.

Brother Willie Smith Sr., was called home
on Saturday, February 15, 2014.

He attended school in Palestine.
At an early age he attended New Jerusalem Baptist Church and Smith Chapel Church of God
in Christ but later joined Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church and until his health failed Bro. Smith
attended Sunday School regularly, sang in the Male Chorus, is Church Pro-Tem Emeritus,
former Church Trustee, Class Leader and Church Custodian.


He was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army during World War II.

He married Etta Mae Mims of Palestine and to their union two children were born, Willie Jr.
And Mary Katharine Smith Blackmond, all of whom are deceased.

In 1950 he married
Matilda "Doll" Wilson of Massey Lake, Texas. They relocated to Houston and started a family. From this union came Linda Gail, Gilbert Wayne, Vanessa Dale, Shelia Sue, and Jackie Elaine.

In 1955 the Smiths decided to return to Palestine and raise the kids in the
country around other family members.

After retiring from Knox Glass Containers in 1986, he continued to work. Using his tractor, he
acquired contracts for yard procurement throughout the City for Palestine and surrounding counties.

Bro. Smith's passions in life were: raising and selling livestock, horseback riding and rodeos,
talking on the C.B. Radio (Panther) he also enjoyed keeping his cars and truck nice and shiny.
He faithfully tuned in to Judge Judy and Cops while sleeping with the remote in his hand and
he looked forward to teaching new tricks to his well-loved schnauzer "Charlie Boy".

He leaves to cherish precious memories of his life, with his children, Linda Smith, Palestine,
Jackie Smith, Houston, and Vanessa (David) Foreman; grandchildren, Debra (DeWayne)
Hollie, Katy, TX, David Foreman II, Tyler, TX, Gina (Sheddric)Dudley, Palestine, TX,
Carlos Smith, Dallas, TX, Tyrone Cook, Dallas, TX, Eric Foreman, Killeen, TX, Willie L.
Wiggins, Palestine, TX and Karen Thornton, Houston, TX; siblings, Viola Poullard, Houston,
TX, Beatrice Payne, Palestine, TX, Napoleon (Mildred) Smith, Palestine, Earl Smith, Sealey,
TX and LaRoy (Victoria) Smith, Palestine, TX and a seven great grandchildren, 11 great great
grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.