Willie Ralph Smith

Willie R. Smith, 78, passed away at Ashton Court Rehab Facility in Liberty, MO on October 30, 2017. He was born on November 17, 1938 in Nettleton, Mississippi, one of three children to Atkin and Lottie Bell Smith.

Willie grew up in St. Louis, MO and graduated as Cum Laude from Washington Tech High School. He received a track scholarship to attend Lincoln University but chose to enlist in the United States Air Force to help support his two sisters with college.

During his military career he was stationed in Japan, Texas, Kansas, Alaska, South Carolina and returning to Alaska before retiring and making Kansas City, MO home for his family. Willie was honorably discharged (Medically) in 1969 from the military thereafter, worked for United States Postal Service retiring in 1982.

While stationed in Texas he met Ernestine Purvis which led to the marriage of Willie and Ernestine in 1960. During this union they had 3 children; Troy E. Smith, Tina M. (Smith) Kelly and Joy V. (Smith) Boykin.

Willie enjoyed playing chess, cards, studying the Bible, playing tennis, drawing and many outdoor activities. Every Thursday he participated in weekly Bible study. Friday night was spent playing cards, dominoes and fellowship with the Men’s Action Group or the Zone Meeting Family Night. Saturday morning’s Willie spent time with his children building fun memories such as family hiking, fishing and going to the Dolly Madison Store. Willie was baptized August 8, 1959. He was very active in the church as a teacher and song leader; under Brother Holt tutelage he led many to Christ.

He was preceded in death by both parents Atkin Smith, Lottie Bell (Smith) Thompkons and sister Verniece Smith

Willie leaves to cherish his memory 3 children; son Troy E. Smith L.A. California, daughter Tina M. (Smith) Kelly and Joy V. (Smith) Boykin both of Kansas City, MO.; 5 grandchildren (Elisha M. Smith, Jarvis A. Kelly III, Troy S. Kelly, Jordan T. Boykin of Kansas City, MO and Carrington Smith of L.A. California; 4 great-grandchildren (Elijah Clay, Jayden Clay, Lyric Smith and Kingston Smith all of Kansas City, MO); niece Natalie Davis-Miller; nephew Nathaniel Davis; great niece Brandi Davis and great nephew Treyvon Fields (San Francisco California) surviving sister Addean (Smith) and George Riggs of Detroit, MI along with a host of cousins and many other relatives and friends.