Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Shaw Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5:30-8:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.  Willie James Smith born February 6, 1949, to the late John and Rosetta Smith in Wilmington, NC, passed away from this life on July 27, 2023.  Willie was a member of First Baptist Church, Wilmington, NC.  He served as Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent Trainee of the Sunday School, and Youth Choir. Willie graduated from Williston Sr. High School, graduating with the class of 1968.  He joined the United States Navy in December 1968 and served until April 1972.  His favorite pastimes were reading, writing, riding his bike and riding the Wave bus, meeting new people, collecting music and yard work.  His favorite saying was "I Wish You Luck"   He was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Vernell  Moore Smith on June 29, 1989.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vernell Moore Smith and brother, David Smith.  He is survived by his aunt Marguerite Brown, great-great nephews:  Mondavian Eakins, and Tyriq Simmons, and a host of cousins and friends. Willie was loved by his extended family: Wanda and Alfred Jones, Waikia, Maliyah, Jarius Jones and Zoei Mott-Jones, and Lanette McGee John.