Wiley Cal Smith, Jr., 61, of Jacksonville, Fla. transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, May 27, 2021.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021, in the sanctuary of New St. James AME Church, 2128 Forrest Street, in Jacksonville, Fla. A public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021, in New St. James AME Church. Earthly bed of slumber: Restlawn Cemeteries & Cremation Gardens, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Affectionately called “Butchie”, Wiley Cal Smith, Jr. was born in Pineville, Ky. on Jan. 27, 1960, to Wiley Cal Smith, Sr. and Clestaner Boothe. Both parents together with siblings: Henry Beard, Henry Smith and Margaret Boothe; and mother-in-law, Margaret Clayton Day; all preceded him in death.
However, he was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Fla. Wiley married the love of his life, Wonza Denise Day Smith, in 1988 and together they raised their children to abide by the Golden Rule and to strive for excellence.
Wiley was quiet-natured, but that was not to be confused with his strong presence and commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life. He was an active member of Central Baptist Institutional Church, where he dedicated his time and his talents to willingly and enthusiastically serving in the Transportation and Usher Ministries. He was a product of the Duval County school system, which prepared him with life skills and a work ethic he needed for his career. This was evident during his employment at the Hansen Akins Company, where he was a long-distance trucker and at the Duval County Water Department, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator. In addition to spending quality time with his family, Butchie also was an avid chess player who always welcomed challengers. Those who knew him best also knew it was very difficult for him to pass up mouth-watering peach cobbler and apples.
Wiley Cal Smith, Jr. fulfilled his promise to serve the Lord with gladness and relocated to his heavenly home where he can serve Him eternally. Forever treasuring the life and legacy of his life journey are his loving wife of 36 years, Wonza Denise Day Smith of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughters: La’tricia (Troy) Baker, Evelyn (Dontae) Greene and Tiffany (Devane) Sumter, all of Jacksonville, Fla.; sisters: Helen (Omerest) Allen, Leslie (David) Lucas, Willie Mae (Johnnie) Field and Mabelene Smith, all of Jacksonville, Fla.; brothe, David (Mary) Boothe of Jacksonville, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; father-in-law, James (Yvonne) Day of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister-in-law, Weisha (Marc) Killette, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and many other loving relatives and sorrowing friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Smith family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by the Hall-Moore Funeral Directors at Tillman Funeral Home of Madison (850) 973-6677: Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Funeral Director.