Willis Knighton Smith

Willis was born at home in Castor, LA on February 15, 1941 to Joe Robert Smith and Curdice Inez Smith. He was married to Linda Ledbetter on February 12th, 1971. They were happily married for 46 years. Willis graduated from Castor High School in 1959 and went on to play basketball for Southwest Jr. College in Macomb, MS. Following college, he played 3rd base for the minor league Shreveport Sports.

Willis was a Quality Control Specialist at Texas Instruments for 30 years and finished out his career with Raytheon. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed all outdoor activities. He loved to share stories of his youth and back wood adventures. Leading up to and after retirement, Willis and Linda enjoyed traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.

Willis is survived by wife Linda J. Smith and two children Steve Smith and Staci Hammons, son-in-law Kenny Hammons, 5 grandchildren Steven Smith Jr., Lindsay Lawson and husband Aaron, Blake Hammons, Drew Hammons, Chase Hammons, one sister Josephine Allen and husband Jim and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Curdice Inez Smith, father Joe Robert Smith and brother Douglas Smith.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 26th, 11am at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, TX. Visitation will be held from 10am until time of services. We will host a reception for all family and friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the American Heart Association in memory of Willis Knighton Smith.