Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Dec 15, 1939 - Dec 7, 2025
Well done. He lived a good life. I'll miss him.
Joyce FULLILOVE-BALTIMORE
December 23, 2025 | Ridgeland 1, MS | Family
Much love to the Smith family, always!
Joshua Fogle
December 20, 2025 | Anderson, IN | Friend
Dorothy Butler. Classmate. . Indianola,ms.
Dorothy Butler
December 19, 2025 | Indianola, MS | Classmate
Uncle Will,
We miss you now, are hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more,
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can fill your vacant place.
Cheryl Johnson
December 19, 2025 | Knightdale, NC | Family
Cousin Willie, so appreciative of all your wonderful examples of love, sharing and caring that you provided and demonstrated in your lifetime. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Lela Fitten-Stallworth
December 18, 2025 | Farmington Hills, MI | Family
It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Smith.
Thank you for sharing your love of service to many. Many blessings and Much love to your loving family. ✝ Kim
Kim Policape
December 18, 2025 | Evanston, IL
We are in prayer with you and your family.
Love, The McFarland Family
Sheila M MCFARLAND
December 18, 2025 | LYNWOOD, IL | Friend
To my GOD MOMMA. I love you over and over again. I pray you get through this part of this grief. I know it’s a lot to take on. Praying for you and your family.
Lucinda Cassell
December 18, 2025 | Maywood, IL | Family
Our condolences are extended to the family of Sgt. William Smith on behalf of the Chicago Police Sergeants Association. May his soul rest in peace.
CPSA Januszyk
December 17, 2025 | Coworker
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROGRAM AND SIGN ELECTRONIC GUESTBOOK!William M. Smith (affectionately known as Willie) was born on December 15, 1939, in Lyon, Mississippi to the union of Taylor Fullilove and Charity Lewis. He was the second oldest of four children; Helen, William, Robert and James. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Helen and Robert.
William confessed to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Jones Chapel, where he was a faithful member until relocating to Chicago, IL. He made it a point to visit every time he went to Mississippi. He was also a dedicated and faithful member of New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, IN. Not only did he attend Sunday service, he was an active participant in Sunday school and bible study. He loved his church family so much that he and Mary opened up their home and hosted the church picnic.
William graduated from McNair Elementary and McNair High School in Belzoni, Mississippi. Willie loved to learn. After relocating to Chicago, IL in 1961, he worked various jobs while attending school at night. He would always say that a good education was something that no one can ever take away from you. He went on to receive a certificate in Electronics from Coyne Electrical School, an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Kennedy King College, and 92 college credit hours.
One day in October 1963, he went on a blind date and was introduced to Mary Helen by Joel and Rose Holloway. It was love at first sight and they were married on August 8, 1964. To this union, they welcomed their bundle of sunshine, Cynthia.
Willie joined the Chicago Police Department in 1970. He worked really hard earning 35 honorable mentions and numerous accolades. He studied numerous hours, passed the Sergeant’s exam and was promoted to one of few African American Sergeants in the department. After an amazing career of 27 years, he hung up his uniform and retired.
Retirement life was amazing for Willie! He and Mary loved to travel; going to South Africa, Alaska, the Caribbean, and many road trips to visit family and friends. The greatest part of his retirement was spent with his granddaughter.
On December 7, 2025, at the golden age of 85, God called William home. Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy or your Lord. Matthew 25:23
He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of sixty one years, Mary; his daughter, Cynthia (Aaron); granddaughter, Micaiah; brother, James (Dorothy); sister in love, Sallie, first cousins that are like siblings; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, god children that he adopted along the way, extended family, church members and dear friends.
Special thanks to his caretakers; Ketina Cottrel and Jatundra (Tiny) Jones who took really good care of him.
William’s life was a testament to love, laughter, hard work, and generosity. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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