Willard Depriest Smith Sr.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did, but people will

never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

Willard Depriest Smith, Sr, 60, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born to Robert Edward Smith, Sr. and Catherine Stowe Smith on March 7, 1966, and was the 6th of seven children from this union.

He was educated in Baltimore City schools and graduated from Walbrook High School. Willard was truly a remarkable man. From a young age, it was evident that he possessed a “beautiful mind”, paired with a protective, proactive heart. He was both brilliant in conversation and deeply protective of his family. Willard leaves a legacy of security, wisdom, and love. Equal to his brilliance was his humor and kind heart. He was quick in his wit, loved to laugh, and smile. He fostered unity over division. In this regard, he was humble, patient, and vulnerable. Yet he was also “Superman”; he could fix anything from cars to household repairs, to landscaping lawns, to cutting down trees. He was successful and easily learned any job. Over his 60 years, he mastered many jobs. He was in the National Guard Army Reserve, an expert marksman. He retired with over 20 years of service as a Correctional Officer at the Jessup Correctional Institution of Maryland. After retirement, he was a cross-country tractor-trailer driver and a Security Officer with Watkins Security Agency, Inc.

His greatest joy and pride is his family, especially his children and grandchildren, who are his living legacy, the source of profound, selfless love, and a reflection, of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Catherine Smith. He leaves behind a mighty cloud of witnesses to cherish him. His children: Willard D. Smith, Jr. (Shalae) and Alexis Smith. Grandchildren: Ray Bowman, Amira Smith, and Mya Smith. His sisters: Coretta Martin, Laretta Smith, Tanya S. Wade (Anthony), Wyn McGurin (Anthony), Lynne C. Smith, and his brothers: Robert E. Smith, Jr. (Christine), Michael W. Smith (Terry), Victor A. Smith (Jacqueline). Joseph Squire Smith (Uncle), Marethia Davis (Aunt), Louizer Currence (Aunt), and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Willard Depriest Smith, Sr. has had a great impact on all of us, and his wisdom, kindness, and joy of life leave a lasting impression and touch upon our lives.

“I have fought the good fight.”

II Timothy 4:7

Memorial Celebration of Life

Grace Presbyterian Church

2604 Banister Road, Baltimore, Maryland, 21215

Saturday, May 30, 2026

10:30 am Family Hour     11:00 am Service

Repast to follow in Fellowship Hall Click Zoom at http://gracepresbymd.weebly.com

Special Thanks to the Cremation Society of Maryland, Inc.

301 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228

for services rendered.