William H. Smith, Sr.

William H. Smith, Sr., 77, passed away on May 25, 2016. He was born in Tuskegee, AL on November 28, 1938 to the late Henry R. and Matilda (Mason) Smith. William was a graduate of Tuskegee High School and retired from Republic Engineered Steel. He was known for his sense of humor. He was a supportive and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also well respected by the neighborhood children, who he treated like his own. He loved traveling, watching NASCAR and was constantly humming and singing. His immaculately kept lawn was known throughout the neighborhood. He is survived by his wife, Betty J. (Bruner) Smith, whom he married on September 20, 1958; their children, William H. (Jai) Smith, Jr of Fairview Heights, IL, Tracy (Stacey) Smith of Mesquite, TX, Mark (Denise) Smith of Canton and Michele Smith of Fairview Heights, IL; nine grandchildren, Mark II, Tracy II, Bailee, Anthony, Kevin, Jordan, Brooke, Kynnedy and Michael; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Gwen Joseph, Patricia Smith, Elnora Ligon and Katie Cole; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Albert Smith; and sisters, Louise Traylor, Dorothy Martin and Gloria Smith. A private service was held at Paquelet Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.paquelet.com Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-3222