Obituary of William Edward Smith, Sr.

Mr. William Edward Smith, known affectionately as Willie Ed, was born on Monday, March 8, 1943, in Butts County, Georgia to the late Willie (Black Jack) and the late Ardell McDowell-Smith.

William was educated in the Butts County, Georgia school district. He married Shelly Anne Cushingberry who preceded him in death. William was determined to be successful and be greater in his life. In the early 70’s he left Georgia in effort to get a job at Ford Motor Company. He had heard of the great opportunities up north and decided to go and be a part of this great movement. He landed a full-time job with Ford Motor Company, one of the three big automotive companies in the north where he started his career as a forklift operator for 30 years. While working full-time he started his own moving company, BJ’s Moving Company (named after his own father), with only himself and a couple of friends to help him. Apart from running his business and working full-time, he bought houses and became a landlord for several homes.

William joined the Mt Pleasant Baptist Church and was baptized at an early age. He was an active and dedicated worker in the church. William enjoyed serving on the deacon’s board and was ordinated and certified as a Deacon on September 8, 2002. He often visited and helped with devotion at New Hope Baptist Church even until his last days. He loved the Lord and served Him every way he knew how. William told his children, “Get in church and pay your tithes if you want the Lord to bless you”. He went to church every Sunday and would not let nothing and no one stop him from going.

Willie Ed loved to dress; he was always one of the best dressed wherever he went. He loved his gator and Stacey Adams shoes, Steve Harvey suits, and his hats. He also loved his family and spending time with them. Willie Ed did whatever he needed to make sure his sisters, nephews, nieces, children, and even grandchildren were taken care of.  He was loved and respected by everyone in Detroit, Michigan and in his hometown of Jackson, Georgia.

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, the Lord sent an Angel to carry Willie Ed off the glory for rest.  He leaves to cherish his memories his sister, Lottie B. Grier of Flovilla, Georgia (Willie E Grier), Gladys Ward an Mable Price who preceded him in death; his children whom he loved dearly, Jerry, Jackie (Charles), Terry (Lori), William, Rachael, and LaShawna; grandchildren, Travis, Danyelle, Parris, Syeda, Lyris, Sasha, Ayden, Kennedy, Kristen, Richard; 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives who loved him dearly.

Funeral Services for Mr. Willie Ed Smith will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Mt Pleasant Baptist Church with Reverend James E. Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Flovilla North Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday evening, December 6, 2023, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfh.com.

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 East College Street, Jackson, is serving the Smith family.