Willie Joe Smith

Published 4:33 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Aug. 30, 1945 – April 16, 2025

NATCHEZ – Funeral services for Willie Joe “Tim” Smith, 79, of Natchez, who departed this earthly life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Natchez, will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Greater Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will follow at Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of West Gate Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Willie was born on Aug. 30, 1945, in Natchez, the son of Rosie Lee Thomas Chatman and Willie Albert Smith. He was educated in Natchez Public Schools. “Tim” was a cook/manager at KFC, a construction worker, and a bar owner until his retirement. He was a New Orleans Saints fan and, in his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ricky Chatman, Louis Chatman, Ernest Lee Smith, Willie A. Smith, and Edwin B. Smith; and sister, Emma Lee Chatman.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories:  his loving wife, Carolyn Miller Reed Smith; son, Jamar “J-Roc” Smith; brothers, Jesse Chatman, Jeffery (Carrie) Chatman, Moses (Velma) Robinson, Leroy (Verlean) Chatman, Charles (Jo-Anne) Smith, and Leon (Doris) Thomas; sisters, Gladys Stewart, Bobbie Johnson, Rose (Ronnie) Robinson, Diane Chatman, Carrie (Willie) Davis, Lenise (Erick) Jones, and Bobbie Jean (Eric) Ignot; stepchildren, Larry Reed, Paul Reed, and Carla Reed; god-daughter, Appollonia Jenkins; two grandsons, three great-grandsons, and host of other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to www.westgatefh.com.