Willie E. Smith, Sr.

Willie E. Smith Sr. of St. Peters, MO, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at the age of 69. Husband of 20 years to Marcia Smith; son of the late Willie M. Smith and Essie (Sylvester) Parks; father of Yolanda Smith, Tawana Smith, Terrance Watts, Harry Watts, Willie Smith, Jr., Noah Watts, and Lauren Smith; grandfather of eight, Willie was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Andreana Smith.  He is a great-grandfather of seven; brother of Roosevelt (Leonia) Smith, Sr. He is also survived by one aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Willie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1964 and served in the Vietnam War. Upon return from Vietnam he attended Truman State (then Northeast Missouri State) before joining the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in 1970 and he was commissioned an officer of the United States Army National Guard. He retired as a Sergeant from St. Louis City Police Department in 1992. Willie served as a trainer and combatant in the first annual Guns & Hoses fundraiser for Backstoppers. He was a member of the Marine Corps League 183 and 100 Black Men Organization of the Metropolitan St. Louis Area.

While continuing to serve in the United States Army National Guard where he achieved the rank of Major.  Major (R) Smith secured a position at Barnes Jewish Medical Center as security supervisor and held that position to 1997. In 1997 he accepted a position with the National Guard as a recruiting director in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Major (R) Smith was again recruited by the Missouri Army National Guard after recruitment had significantly increased to become the supervisor of the St. Louis Area Missouri National Guard Funeral Honors Program. He remained in this position as a Missouri State employee for 11 years post retirement from the Army National Guard.

Post retirement he became a commissioner for the St. Peter’s Police Department Disciplinary Board, he also worked closely with the O'Fallon Police and Fire Department as a consultant, and was a faithful member of the O’Fallon Church of Christ where he enjoyed teaching as a mentor for the youth. Major (R) Smith has continued to touched many people though his lifetime of service in numerous capacities. He and Mrs. Smith actively supported many philanthropic organizations. He and daughter, Lauren, also enjoyed watching all sports, but especially attending the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions, in honor of Major Willie E. Smith Sr., may be made to the Children's Miracle Network- St. Louis, Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society, or American Diabetes Association.




From the family,

A limb has fallen from the family tree PLEASE DO NOT GRIEVE for me. Remember the Best times, the LAUGHTER, the SONG, the good life I lived when I was strong.