Willie James Smith

II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: On November 25, 1941, Willie James Smith affectionately known as “Big Will” was born to Onie Dell Cartwright and Sunny James Smith in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the second of four children born to this union  He accepted Christ into his life at a very young age.   He spent part of his youth in Spearsville, Louisiana before relocating to Houston, Texas in 1962.   Willie found employment at the American Rice where he worked as a Foreman.  Willie dreamed of retiring from his employment until his unfortunate injury.  After his injury, Willie found his gifts and passions as a mechanic and found his gift of song as being a part of his band. Willie carried many titles, son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend. All these titles reflect the one emotion everyone felt who encountered him…LOVE. Willie James “Big Will” was preceded in death by both of his parents, Onie Dell Cartwright and Sunny James Smith and Robert Lee Smith. He is survived by his children: Willie James Crawford, Chris Elaine Smith, Christopher Michael Rodriguez and Courtney Allen Houston all of Houston, TX; His only sister, Gloria Dean Holten of Beaumont, TX and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, coworkers and numerous friends.