Willie Smith Obituary

Smith Sr., Willie Ray was born June 11, 1956, in Chicago, IL, he attended Lawrence Jr. High and Austin High School. He was raised in Chicago and later moved his family to Gary, IN, Willie was preceded in death by his sister, Louise; brothers, Rickey, Willie Earl and Robert Earl; grandmothers, Annie M. Fox and Willie Mae Smith and grandfather, John C. Bell Smith. He was employed at several companies in Chicago, but was currently employed at Steel Technologies in Portage, IN. Willie accepted Christ at an early age. He departed this life on May 28, 2002 at UIC Hospital in Chicago, IL. He leaves to cherish his Memory: loving wife, Cora; children; Randy (Tasha), Chiabyna (James), Natasha and Willie Jr.; grandchildren, Tyiesha, Randy, Jr., Ratrell, Jailah and an unborn grandchild; mother Margie Smith; brothers and sisters, Jannie of Gary, Edna (Tommie) of Zion, IL, Robert (Renee), Van, (Janice), Charles (Linda) and Bob (Bobbie) all of Chicago, IL, Anthony, Angela (Eric) of Lake Zurich, IL, Melissa, of Gurnee, IL, Linda, Katherine, Bernette, Michelle, Tom, Mattie, Andre, Lee Andrew, Mary Alice, Michael and Ricki and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and a multitude of friends. Visitation Thursday, June 6, 2002, 12 noon, to 8 p.m. Family Hour 6 to 8 p.m. from Alpha Mortuary, 421 W. 5th Ave., Gary, IN. with homegoing services Friday, June 7, 2002, at 2 p.m. from New Community Baptist Church, 5461 Calumet Ave., Hammond, IN. Rev. Patrick Gillis, Pastor, officiating. Interment Oakhill Cemetery, Gary, IN. Services entrusted to "The Caring Professionals" of Alpha Mortuary, 219-882- 8230. Visit our Guest Book at suntimes.com