We meet here today not in grief, but in quest  of the strength which will enable  us to accept  what we can neither  change or understand, therefore we meet in thanksgiving in honor of Willie Joe Smith aka · (King Willie) (Rank)

He confessed Christ at an early age and united  with MT Nebo Baptist Church. He attended the Coosa and Elmore county school system  before beginning a career in the roofing industry  until his health fail. Willie loved his family and friends and always had something to say or a story to tell them to put smiles on their faces. God in his mighty wisdom  and power saw fit to call him home Friday March 30 2012.

Willie was born Dec. 5th 1955 to Mattie Louise Smith Gilbert and Sylvester Gilbert Sr. Both proceeded him in death. He was also proceeded in death by 2 brothers  Larry Smith and Ricky Gilbert and 1 sister  Pamela  Moon and 1stepdaughter Carolyn Howard.

He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted  and loving wife Carolyn Smith of Pulaski, TN: 3 daughters, Furcosher (James)  Cohen, Veronica  (Christopher) Whetstone of Atlanta, GA and Melanie  Barris of Wetumpka, AL:1son Barry (Lotus) Smith of North Caroline: 2 stepsons Marcus  Howard and Travis Howard of Pulaski, TN :1 stepdaughter Latoya (Christopher) of Huntsville, AL : 3 sisters Traci Gilbert of equality, AL  Diane  (Donald) Johnson of Montgomery, AL Elaine  (James)  Portis ofYantley, AL: 2 brothers  Christopher Gilbert and Sylvester (Elaine) Gilbert of Kellyton, AL : 1 brother-n-law Ralph Moon of Alexander  City 8 grandchildren :11 step grandchildren and 1 great grandchild and a host of uncels, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends.