Mr. Willie Barry Smith Jr.

SMITH, Mr. Willie Barry Jr. - Age 58, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, at his residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Friday, September 27, 2024, from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Min. Patrick McNeal officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 10:00 AM Friday. Mr. Smith will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday with family present from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM to receive friends. Willie Barry Smith Jr. was born May 19, 1966 in Flint Michigan, the son of Willie Sr. & Jane Smith. Willie graduated from Flint Northwestern High School, “Class of 1984” and enlisted in the United States Armed Forces before returning to Flint. He then worked as a professional photographer, traveling across the 48 contiguous states. Afterward, he attended Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint, where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Health Care Administration and pursued graduate studies. Willie dedicated his life to community service, beginning with AmeriCorps, where he focused on STD/HIV education, and later serving as Project Director at the YOUR Center. He was a health advocate, serving on local and national boards, and held positions with Flint Community Schools and University of Michigan. Smith also contributed to his community as President of the West Pulaski St. Block Club and Vice President of the North Neighborhood Action Council. As Co-Principal of Community Roots, he served on numerous boards and committees, raising awareness of the challenges facing Flint residents, particularly in North Flint, which held a special place in his heart. Known for his generosity, you could always count on Smith to fix your computer when needed. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife, whom he absolutely adored. Willie’s loving, caring, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His kindness and warmth touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of compassion and service. Willie Barry Smith Jr. leaves to cherish his wife, Patricia Smith; 4 daughters and 4 sons, Willie Smith III, Sareeta Horton, Danielle Horton, Charles (Bojo) Gant, Nygee Gant, Nadia Meggs, Kelli Meggs and Jonathan Strozier; 5 grandchildren, Charles Gant III, Naim Gant, all of Flint, Asahari Meggs of Texas, Aubree Sharp of Texas and Julius Meggs, all of Mississippi; sister and brother; Joy Blair and Michael Smith, both of Flint; 4 nieces, Ashley Smith of Colorado, Shakira Hodge of Atlanta, GA, Cryanna Hodge of Flint and Crystal Hodge of California; 10 nephews, Aundris Hence, Aaron Smith, Avery Hence, Dequan Smith, all of Colorado, Demarcus Smith, Brandon Smith, Gene Hodge and Camaryn Smith, all of Flint and Leonard Robinson of Alabama, 5 aunts, Philomena Marshall, Elizabeth Luciano, Julia Peabody, all of Massachusetts, Beverly Smith of Texas and Linda McKnight of Flint; a host of cousins, mother-in-law, Edna Hodge of Flint; sister-in-law, Rosezetta Hodge; 3 brothers-in-laws, Gene Hodge Jr. of Flint, Wali Hodge of Phoenix, AZ and Herbert Liddell of Flint; a host of other relatives and friends, Community Roots brothers, Slyvester Jones, Todd Womack and Patrick McNeal.

Mr. Willie Barry Smith Jr.

May 19, 1966 - September 12, 2024