William James Smith Jr., 75, of Warren, MI, formerly of Colliers, WV, was called home to heaven on Friday, March 16, 2018 at St. John Macomb Hospital after an extended illness.

William was born on December 20, 1942 on Anderson Hill, Colliers, WV. He was the son of the late Reverend William James Smith Sr. and Grace Viola (Anderson) Smith.

William was the last living charter member of the Archer Heights Church of the Nazarene, now known as Ferry Glenn Church of the Nazarene. He was a 1960 graduate of Follansbee High School and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, William served on the USS Cook APD-130 sailing into Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, and Okinawa during the Vietnam War. William and the fellow seaman participated in the Battle Games with the British Naval Ship and also received the Domain of the Golden Dragon. William was a retired long haul truck driver traveling the east coast as an owner and independent truck rig; in addition to, working with the Herald-Star, Steubenville, OH, Ellis Steel Company and General Motor Company, both in Detroit, MI.

William is survived by his companion, Ella Mae Martin of Warren, MI, a son, William James Smith III of Weirton, WV, two grandchildren, Joshua Smith and his wife Denise, and Genesis Silver and her husband Matthew, seven great-grandchildren, Arias, Niyah and Jayus Smith, Ethan, Kaleig, Caleb, and Caylyn Silver, six siblings, David Keith Smith, Lila Elaine Wolfram and her husband, John, Deborah Grace Smith-Lee, all of Columbus, OH, Daniel Christopher Smith and his wife, Janice of Shafter, CA, Michelle Marie Jackson of Blacklick, OH and Melissa Williams and her husband, Jaye of Bakersfield, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10:30 AM until time of Homegoing Service at 12 Noon at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV (304)527-1717, with Pastor Richard Clark, officiating.

Interment will follow next to his parents, Rev. William and Grace Smith at St. John Cemetery, Colliers, WV with Military Honors by the United States Navy and the Ohio Valley Veteran Memorial Squad.

Please add or view condolences at www.chambersandjames.com

Obituary for William James Smith, Jr.

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