Deacon Willie James Smith of Smithville, Georgia died Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 3:30 PM in the sanctuary of the Antioch Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Jerusalem Grove Church Cemetery in Smithville, Georgia.

Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Deacon Willie James Smith was born July 18, 1951 in Sumter County, Georgia.  He was born to the late Mr. Johnny C. Smith and the late Ms. Lula McGruder.

He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County.  He attended Plains High School.  He was committed to helping his family take care of his siblings and for that reason he did not graduate.

During his younger years he joined the Antioch Baptist Church and served faithfully as a member.  He later moved his membership to Jerusalem Grove Baptist Church where he served faithfully on the Deacon Board until God said, "Well Done, Come on Home and Take Your Rest."

He enjoyed motorcycles and as a young man, he rode with a club in Sumter County.  Around 1995 he coached softball with the Americus Recreation Department giving him the opportunity to coach his baby girl.

He was employed with Reeves Construction Company.  He was a dedicated employee and served as a Lead Truck Driver.  He was regarded as a dependable and loved employee who took pride in his job.  He was given the CB name, "Moon Dawg."  Willie decided to retire on September 2, 2010.  He took a short break for about a year and decided to go back working part-time until 2019 when he stopped working completely.

Willie also enjoyed Deep Sea Fishing in Florida with his brothers and friends for pleasure and relaxation.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, he transitioned from this life to life  everlasting.

He is survived by his loving and devoted children, Ms. Tara Harris of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Mrs. Maxine (McArthur) Jackson of Plains, Georgia, Ms. Miranda Smith of Albany, Georgia, Mr. Rochelle (Mae) Brown of Fort Pierce, Florida, and Mr. Dennis Smith of Dawson,  Georgia; beloved children he reared as his own, Mr. Nicholas (Shalnica) French of Smithville, Georgia, Mrs. Nicole (Chancery)  Jackson and Mrs. LyVonna (Terrish) Harris both of Americus, Georgia; 21 grandchildren, to include, Dekoven Durham, McArthur C. Jackson, Moennaishyia N. Jackson, MonQuavious D. Jackson, Jarvis Bady, Janessa Bady, Tyre Jackson, Xavier  Rockwell, Marious Daniels and Keasia Smith; 17 great grandchildren; his loving sisters, Mrs. Gloria Jackson, Mrs. Minnie Austin, Mrs. Bernice (Anthony) Williams, and Mrs. Susie (Kelvin) Burnam all of Americus, Georgia; his beloved brothers, Mr. Lewis (Nyetta) Smith of Pennsylvania, Mr. Calvin Colbert and Mr. Clarence (Cynthia) Colbert both of Fort Pierce, Florida; a special friend, Ms. Linda Smith of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces and nephews, to include his favorite niece, Ms. Betty Austin of Americus, Georgia; a host of cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends, to include, Mr. Willie French of Parrott, Georgia and Mr. Edward Barner of Smithville, Georgia.