Mr. Willie James Smart, age 60, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at approximately 7:12 p.m. a.m. at his residence in Lima.

He was born on December 24, 1955, in Lexington, Mississippi to the union of Joe Willie and Louise B. (Barnes) Smart, Sr.  His mother is deceased and his father survives in Durant, Mississippi.

He was formerly married to Elea K. Smart Crisp who was the mother of his children.

Mr. Smart retired as the President of Labor Union 329.  He was a United States Marine Veteran and was a member of New Hope Christian Center.   He was a former member of Eleventh Street Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized at an early age.  He was a graduate of Lima Senior High School.  He was an active member of Narcotics Anonymous.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory 2 sons;  Gale P. Smart (Seretha) of Warren, Ohio and Joshua L. Glenn (Brittany) of Lima.  2 daughters; Latrisha Smart (Michael Tyson) and Janette Smart (Raymond White) both of Lima, Ohio.  17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  3 brothers; Eugene D. Smart and David E. Smart both of Lima.  Joe W. Smart, Jr. of Durant, Mississippi.  A sister; Shirley A. Bonds-Hall (Halbert) of Ft. Wayne, IN.  His loving dog; Shy.

He was preceded in death by a sister; Valerie C. Smart. Maternal grandfather; Henry Bonds and Maternal grandmother; Jessie Mae Riley.

Services will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 12:00 noon at the Chapel of Jones-Clark Funeral Home with Rev. Austin Lewis, Jr., officiating.

Visitation/Wake services will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Interment:  Memorial Park Cemetery