William P. Smith, Sr.

William P. Smith Sr., aka “Smitty” of the 3400 block of Woodstock Street in Portsmouth, VA completed his remarkable journey on earth and began his heavenly rest on Friday, August 1, 2025. Smitty was born the third of six children on June 9, 1954, to the proud parents of the late Mr. Arnold Watler Smith and Mrs. Ella Louise Smith in Norfolk, VA, full of life and dreams to achieve something great, and he did just that. Educated in Portsmouth public schools, upon graduation, he would enter into the military serving in the Army in 1973. There, he met the love of his life and partner, Priscilla Smith, and the two married a year later. Together, they served their country and built a life of adventure, calling places like Belgium and California home before planting their roots in Portsmouth, VA. He loved family, friends, truck driving, fishing, and that back porch. His infectious smile and calm spirit could bring peace to anyone. He had a gift for making people feel at home, no matter where they were. William and Priscilla were blessed to welcome their first child, William “Billy” Smith Jr, in 1974 and their second Cora L. Smith, in 1979. They were his greatest achievements yet and the pride of his life. Through all seasons of their journey, Smitty maintained his calm spirit, strength, and unwavering love that carried his family through the toughest of times. He was a great husband, present father, and amazing grandfather to his four grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy. In 1978, Smitty would join Western Express as a Tractor Trailer driver and then at BFI as a Front End driver before retiring after 35 years from Bay Disposal as a Front End driver. He would spend his golden years doing all the things he loved most, spending time with his family and sitting on his back porch, shooting the breeze. To know him was to love him. His life was one of service and quiet strength to his country and his community. He valued family and the relationships he made along his journey. His legacy will live on in the laughter he sparked, the calm he shared, and the love he gave so freely. William was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Ella Smith; son, William “Billy” Smith Jr.; sister, Gloria “Lady” Smith; brother, Arnold “Zip” Smith; and brother, Leonard Smith. He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Priscilla Smith; only daughter, Cora L. Smith; brother, Bernard Smith, (Alicia), sister, Dorothy “Dot” Monague; grandchildren, Caleb Adams, NaQuan Palmer, William Smith III, and Elyjah Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

William P. Smith, Sr.

June 9, 1954 - August 1, 2025