Willie Earl Smith "Snowball"  of Pontiac, Michigan was born on May 15, 1953 to Robert F. Smith and Thelma Smith, he departed this earth on Monday, July 13, 2020.  He was the second of five children. Willie grew up under the tutelage of his grandparents Wash and Bessie Mason who loved him dearly, he was the apple of their eyes, they were the parents of nine girls and they loved having a little boy in their household.

Willie attended Pontiac Central High School.  His grandfather was a landscaper and Willie spent much of his teenage years learning the trade of landscaping.  He was an excellent worker and perfected his trade.  He was very dedicated to whatever work he engaged in.  In his later years he perfected the job of asphalt/preparer and applicator where he was deemed as being one of the best workers in that field.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory, his father Robert F. Smith, his sons; Giovanni Smith and Rev. Theodore J. Smith of Arkansas.  He also leaves his aunts, Mildred Carr, Rosie T. Turner, Pauline George of California, Elnora Daniels and Archie Bilbo.  Also survived by a host of cousins, relatives and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Smith, his sister, Linda Smith and grandparents; Wash and Bessie Mason.

Mr. Smith will lie in repose on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Cobb's Funeral Home 151 Orchard Lake Road., Pontiac, Michigan from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12 p.m. at Cobb's Funeral Home.  Family hour will start at 11 a.m. until 12 p.m.  Internment will be held at Perry Mount Park Cemetery in Pontiac, Michigan.

As a global concern about Coronavirus (COVID-19) begins to have a impact on our community, we are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of the families we serve and the community in general.  Some families are making the decision to postpone services while others have opted to move forward with a small gathering of close family and friends.

It is Cobb's Funeral Home policy, which lines up with the restrictions of our governor, Gretchen Whitmer, that all gatherings are limited to 20 people with a distance of 6 feet.

May God continue to bless and strengthen all of you during this time.