Troy Douglas Smith

Troy Smith departed into eternal life on Friday December 20, 2013 peacefully in his home. He was born June 10, 1968 in Aurora, IL to William (Sonny) Robinson and Nellie Smith-Coble. He was a 1987 graduate of East Aurora High School. He continued his education and basketball career at Kankakee Community College, Illinois Valley Community College, South Dakota State University and Aurora University. He was most recently enrolled at DeVry University in pursuit of a degree in Network Management. Troy married his wife, Lannette on April 16, 1999 and they began their life together. He was a man of integrity and was a great family man and provider. He always sacrificed for his family and often worked multiple jobs. Troy was a loyal husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was always willing to do whatever he could for the people he cared about. To know Troy, was to love Troy. He was fun-loving and loved to joke with others. During his short time on earth, he left behind an enormous imprint on the lives of so many others. He was a great man. He is widely known in the community as "Coach Troy, Coach Smith or Wally". Although he married the love of his life, we all agree his passion was basketball. Troy had a very successful career as an East Aurora Tomcat, collegiate athlete and remained close to the game in various other capacities ? as a coach, a referee, a player mentor and most recently assistant varsity basketball coach for his alma mater where he could mentor and develop young men. He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Lannette, three sons, Jabari Porter, Isaiah and Jalen Smith and three daughters Amari Hughes, Tarah and Tori Smith. He is also survived by a grandchild, Laniyah and a little one on the way. His parents William Robinson (Linda), Nellie Smith-Coble (Sylvester) and his siblings Renauldo "Ricky" (Vanessa) Robinson, Margarita "Rita" Robinson, Renita Robinson, Luanda "NeNe" (Andy) Dockery, Harvey Smith, Wesley Marshall, Jr (Karen), Veda "Inkey" Smith and Ayanda "Mook" Suggs. He has a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Williiam and Henrietta Robinson, James Smith and Pearl Hughes-Smith, his aunts Beverly Davis Pryor, Diana Pryor and Diana Moss and his nephew Troy Anthony Grimes. Family will receive family and friends on Saturday, December 28, 2013 from 10 AM until time of service 12 PM at St. John A.M.E. Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora, IL 60502 followed by a burial at Spring Lake Cemetery. There also will be an open visitation on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 3 PM ? 8 PM at Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora, IL 60506.