On November 14, 1940, a bouncing baby boy was delivered to Lewis and Luella Luckey Smith in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The proud couple named their new edition Willie Ervin. Willie attended grammar school in Rentie Grove, Oklahoma. The family later moved to Sand Springs in 1955. There, he graduated from Booker T. Washington with the distinguished class of 1959.

Upon graduation, Mr. Smith enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Dixon, New Jersey. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Tulsa where he met LaVera Carwile. This union produced three children, all boys. Willie gave his life to Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Sand Springs under the leadership of Rev. T.C. Morris. Willie was active in the youth department and sang in the youth choir.

Preceding him in death are his maternal and paternal grandparents, parents, along with three brothers and a daughter. Remaining to cherish a lifetime of memories: his loving wife of 23 years, Darah L. Smith, four sons: Willie E. Smith, Jr. (Tracy), Timothy A. Smith, Rodney L. Smith, and Immanuel E. Smith, all of Tulsa, OK., three daughters: Denise Smith, Odessa L. Burrell, and Darah A. Smith, all of Tulsa, OK., three brothers: Nathaniel Smith, Sr. Sammy Lee Smith, Sr. (Shirley), Tulsa, OK., Joe Lewis Smith, Sr. (Mamie), Oklahoma City, OK., one sister, Netty M. Rogers (Willie), Oklahoma City, OK., 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

"Also I say to you, You are Peter and on this rock-mass I will build my congregation, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."
Matthew 16:18

Services for Mr. Smith will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 11AM inside the Keith D. Biglow All Faiths Chapel. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 12Noon to 7PM.