Willie Smith, age 41, of Barbourville, died Thursday, April 5, 2018 in Barbourville. He was the son of Wendell Smith and the late Patricia Jean (Butler) Smith, born to them on October 14, 1976 in Barbourville. He was the Fire Chief of the Bailey Switch Volunteer Department, a former member of the Poplar Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and a graduate of Knox Central High School.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Patricia Jean (Butler) Smith on November 15, 2016, and by his maternal grandparents: Perry and Marie (Bufford) Butler.
Willie is survived by his loving family, His father: Wendell Smith of Barbourville. His daughter: Riley Smith of Barbourville. His sister: Laura Smith Benge of Barbourville, and his two nieces: Reagan Benge and Jayda Benge of Barbourville.
His paternal grandparents: William and Laura Smith of London. His aunts and uncles: Laquada Hampton and husband, Bobby of London; Virgil Smith of Taylor, Michigan; Jerry Smith and wife, Gloria of Barbourville; Perry Butler and wife, Jill of Michigan; Donna Fulcher of Florida; Robin Tomblin and friend, Henry of West Virginia; Michael Butler and wife, Barbara of Indiana; Cathy Vitoratios and husband, Keith of Michigan; Tammy McCleer of Michigan; and Laurie Grady and husband, Tony of Michigan. His special cousins: Regina Hampton of London; John T. Smith Smith of Detroit, Michigan; Jeremy Smith of Barbourville; Rachel Warren and husband, Neil of London; and Travis Smith and wife, Patty of Corbin; and many other relatives, and dear friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral Services for Willie Smith will be conducted in the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel on Monday April 9, 2018 at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Sylvester Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the Smith Cemetery on Bargo Hill at Heidrick.
Those serving as Pallbearers will be: Jeff Fisher, Shane Hubbs, Tim Sizemore and Leslie Smith.
Those serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be all Friends and Neighbors.
The Smith family will receive friends at the Hopper Funeral Home on Sunday after 6:00 pm, and on Monday after 9:00 am until the funeral hour at 12:00 noon.
Hopper Funeral Home will be in charge of all arrangements.
