Willie "B-CAT" Smith was born February 15, 1939, at home in Munford, Tennessee to the union of Robert Smith and Everlina Smith (Jones). He accepted the Lord at an early age. He passed away on April 6th, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. That was his last wish, before he transitioned into heaven to be reunited with his loved ones and ancestors who passed away before him.

Willie B, at the early age of 9 years old, helped his father Robert Smith run his logging business, cutting trees and driving two big flatbed trucks. Later on, his father sold the logging business, and they started running an ice route business. After that, he started working for the mayor of Munford Tennessee, at a hardware store, delivering and picking up old furniture, plus selling tires. The mayor had a storage store around the corner and Willie B, cleaned it out and set up a used furniture store by himself. He picked out the best stuff and sold furniture, couches, washing machines, stoves and other appliances to his black people. He was a NATURAL BORN HUSTLER.

At the age of 23, he joined the army in 1962 and trained in demolition. He was a Sapper Elite Combat Engineer. He traveled overseas and around the world. On November 22, 1963, Willie B and the rest of the soldiers came back to the States and were stationed on the base at the United States Military post in Fort Hood Texas. That's when President John F Kennedy was going to welcome the soldiers back home, but he was assassinated in Dallas Texas.

In 1964 he left the army and moved to Illinois in the Marion Jones Projects, and he stayed with his uncle briefly. He stayed super sharp and clean in new suits and Dobb hats. He loved buying brand new cars fresh out the window, especially drop top Cadillacs. He also flipped new trucks, motorcycles, Campers and a RV. He did a lot of traveling. Willie B loved gambling and shooting dice on Market Street on the South Side of Waukegan in the trenches.

He drove trucks for the BFI waste disposal company. He worked security at the College of Lake County and the Full Moon Restaurant, while running his own business, driving Dodge Ram Charger trucks, moving people, junking, hauling and snow plowing with his son Rand and a couple of his friends to teach them legit hustling.

He was well loved and respected everywhere he went, by the streets, the police, fire departments and politicians, because Willie B carried himself differently from the rest. He was a Special Man of Honor!

Willie B Smith is survived by his children and Stepchildren, Maurice Brewton of North Chicago IL, Chalette Smith of North Chicago IL, Willie Randall Pitts Tanner Smith of Zion IL, Sonya Denise Pitts (Watts) of Mableton GA, Bobby Pitts Jr. of Austell GA, Benita Lynn Pitts (Banks) of Austell GA, Calvin Pitts of Zion IL and Gregory Pitts of Las Vegas NV. His Grandchildren Shannon Smith, Shanika Smith, Ran'Chelle April Pitts, Jason Smith, Willie Randell Pitts Jr., Essex Smith, Breon Ran'Shod Pitts, Devontae Smith, Ran'Shawn Pitts, Quintin Pitts, Dinesha Pitts, Cameron Pitts, La'Kiesha Pitts, Kiara Pitts, over 40 Great Grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends.

Willie B Smith was preceded in death by his parents Robert Smith Sr. and Everlina Smith (Jones). His brothers Robert Smith Jr, Leo Smith, William Earl Coleman and James Coleman. His sisters Annie Mae Nabors, Mary Sanders and Marie Porterfield (Nelson) and his beautiful Soulmate and Spiritual Wife, Clara Mary Tanner (Pitts). Reunited together forever in Paradise with No More Pain, Stress or Worries for all Eternity!

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Haliburton Funeral Chapel 1317 Emerson St. Evanston, IL 60201

If you have any questions or concerns Please feel free to contact Allen M. Jordan the Funeral Director in charge (224) 944-9437

For Flower Arrangements contact

Ella's Essence

908 Hinman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201

www.elleasessence.com

Phone: 224-443-7200