Willie Smith

Willie Lee Smith was born on August 11, 1945, in Idabel, Oklahoma. He is the son of Jimmy Smith and Ardella Allen Smith. He was the first born in the family, raised surrounded by his brother, Jimmy, Jr., and his sisters, Lillie, Climmie, Lorraine, and Jeanetta. Willie was named after his father's uncle. He was known as "Pipe" in his youth because he was tall and slim. He received his early education in Frederick, Oklahoma, where he attended Frederick High School and graduated in 1963. Willie left home at a young age to begin his life's journey as a husband and father. He was the proud father of Wesley, Tracy, and Princess. He fulfilled his roles with joy and pride. Willie would say while he was in Texas, he met and picked up Betty while she was walking home from school. On August 21, 1970, Willie and Betty were married in Denver, Colorado. To this union, Shapree was born. The children remember how they would always want to stop at McDonald's on 34th and Colorado Boulevard whenever they saw the "Golden Arches." They would say "Daddy, ain't you hungry." He would reply, "No." But he would always stop and get happy meals for the kids. Later, Willie would be surrounded with nine grandchildren: Passion, Sean, Destiny, Asia, Tavion, Tanajah, Ellis, D'Mari, Takiyah, and two great grandchildren: Peri, and Blake. They lovingly called him "PaPa." By profession, Willie was a Plater of Airplane Parts for Sunstrand Aviation. His co-workers would call him dependable and reliable; a joy to work with. He made lifelong friendship while working there. In 1990, Willie retired from Sunstrand Aviation. Willie loved the Lord and was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Tipton, Oklahoma. A diehard Bronco fan, Willie refused to go to the hospital because it was the first game of the season. He enjoyed being with the grandkids and great-grandkids, and playing the dogs (dog races). His best friends, Mike, Robert, and Kenny will miss the time they spent together watching the football games, and laughing. Willie was a true friend. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Ardella Smith; his two sisters, Ruthie Jean and Bertha Mae. Willie Lee Smith departed this life on September 20, 2014 in Aurora, Colorado. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Betty Smith, Denver; three daughters, Tracy (Rick) Smith-Snell, Atlanta, GA, Princess Smith, Shapree Jones, both of Denver; one son, Wesley Ivory, Amarillo, TX; his brother, Jimmy (Elise) Smith, Jr., Frederick, OK; four sister, Lillie (Clarence) Brown, Fort Worth, TX, Climmie (Robert) Rooks, Harker Heights, TX, Lorraine Smith, Wichita Falls, TX, Jeanetta (Raul) Maldonado, Chickasha, OK; 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 9/29/2014 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 9/30/2014 at 11:00 AM - Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church - 1711 Altura Blvd Aurora, CO
Family Gathering: 9/30/2014 - Immediately following the service. Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church - 1711 Altura Blvd. Aurora, CO