William Smith

William Isaac Smith, 89, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at his home. He was born to Alfred Quentin Smith and Ruth Hawkins Smith on June 30,1935 in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up a proud resident of the southside and attended Marion Rd Grade School and South High School in Columbus.

William or “Sonny” as he was affectionately known, eagerly enlisted in the U. S. Navy on October 14,1952 at the tender age of seventeen and was honorably discharged on June 21,1956. He often spoke of how proud he was for the ability to serve.

On September 22,1956 he married Frances Cowan. They were blessed with two children, William Franklin Smith and Dorcella Jeanne Smith.

Sonny was employed by F&R Lazarus Department Store, (now Macy’s) as a delivery truck driver. During his 31year tenure he received numerous “Safe Driver” awards and accolades.

Sonny joined Hosack Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Percy A. Carter Jr., after which he became Facility Manager for several years. He was also a member of the Male Usher Board, sound room, weekly bible study, Hosack United Brothers (HUB) and the Trustee Board.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and was a member of The Big Coho Fishing Club. As an avid traveler, he embarked upon sixteen cruises throughout the Caribbean and Hawaii and also drove cross country two times. He was a devoted football fan of the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes, regardless of their “ups and downs”.

Sonny is preceded in death by his father, Alfred, mother Ruth, grandmother, Hester Jackson, mother in-law, Ollie B. Cowan and great grandson, Brookes Zhyonn Smith, several aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers in-law and sisters in-law.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Frances Cowan Smith, son William Franklin Smith, daughter, Dorcella Jeanne Winbush (Gregory). Four grandsons, Jamelle Isaac Cornley, Gaven Rhys Smith (Brooke) of Pembroke, MA, Theron Abbott Smith (Leslie), Javon Timothy Cornley (Sydney) of Carmel, IN, eight great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

Sonny loved and was loved by many people. Among his many friends were special friends, Betty Abbott, Darnell and Joan Corbin, Keith Hill, Brenda Downing, Ronald and Sandra Williamson, Will Bolden and all the members of HUB, Hosack United Brothers and their spouses.