Willie Harless Smith, 88, of Doyle, passed away Aug. 29, 2021, at his residence, surrounded by family.
Mr. Smith was born Nov. 12, 1932, in Sparta, to Willie Haston Smith and Notie Lou Henry Smith.
He was a retired decorated United States Navy Veteran, serving in Korea and Vietnam as a Gunner’s Mate 1st Class on several ships in the Navy fleet, including the U.S.S. Paul Revere and the U.S.S. Petrel.
Following his military service, Mr. Smith worked at Wagner Electric until his retirement and then spent a few years working at Lowe's. He loved to play guitar, shoot pool, and throw darts in his later years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Virginia Brown Smith, and 12 siblings.
Surviving family members include his three children, Rick Smith and wife Holly, Gary Smith, Kim Smith; grandchildren, Cody Smith, Kristin Smith, Kayce Smith, Lindsay Slee; stepchildren, Sharon Officer and husband Robert, Ross Henry and wife and caregiver to Willie, Trenda; three brothers, J.C. Smith and wife Nelta, James Arnold Smith, Wayne Smith and wife Judy; two sisters, Barbara McCombs and husband Lester, Jean Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Sept. 1, 2021, at Hunter Funeral Home. Burial, with full military honors by the Veteran's Honor Guard, will follow, in Oak Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Aug. 31, at the funeral home. Doug Goff will officiate.
Jackie Howell, Mike Dodson, Bruce Smith, T.J. Eller, Richard Eller, and Billy Turner will serve as pallbearers.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
