Willie Alphonso Smith, 71, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Malcom Randall V.A. Medical Center, Gainesville.  A native of Fort Gaines, GA, he was the son of Sandy Murray, Jr. and Agnes Evangeline Campbell Carter and Lorene Smith (adopted mother), born on Saturday, September 17, 1949.  He was educated in the Clay County, GA School District and a 1967 graduate of Fort Gaines High School.  He attended Albany College and worked at the Trussell Company for many years. He was a custodian employed by the Broward County School District and the Broward County Courthouse before entered military service.   He honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as an administrative clerk and as a helicopter mechanic over the years. He was awarded numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons over his distinguished 25 year military career including National Defense Service, Sea Service Deployment, Overseas Service, Meritorious Unit and Navy Unity commendations, respectively.  His military education included, Canvas Equipment Rep, Base Helicopter Cause, Aviation Fundamental, Naval Aviation Maintenance and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer courses.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in eternal rest by his brothers, Curtis, Raymond, Sandy & Rodney Murray; brother-in-law, Guy W. Thomas, Jr., loving father-in-law and mother-in-law, Issac Sr. and Leila Mae Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: best friend and caregiver of 13 years, loving wife of 4 years, Janet Marie Smith, Palatka; sons , Brandon (Miranda) Smith, VA;  Tremayne (Courtney) Smith, NC; Jeremy (Nicole) Campbell, Miami; Taurean Smith, VA; Arnesto Ross, Jr., Palatka; daughters , Kenisha Johnson, Orlando; Fre'Savia (Terry) Massey, Arnesia Ross, both of Palatka; grandchildren , Kyara Davis, Amari Manley, Jahara Campbell, Arnesto Ross, III, Jamie Campbell, Artez Ross, Zyion Valentine, A'Kelious Ross, Arkadian Ross, Olivia Campbell, Damani Smith, Amira Smith, Aleatha Smith, Arkavian Ross, Arkaeson Ross, Taurean Smith, Jr., Jalen Smith, Cameron Smith; great grandson , William Fuqua, Jr.; stepmother , Margaret Murray, Armstrong; siblings, Juanita Thomas, Palatka; Barbara (Kenneth) McClain, Hastings; Ethel (Alfonzo) Brown, East Palatka; Michelle (Edward) Carter, Elkton; Rhonda Felder, Ricardo Murray, Jacquelyn (Gregory) Willis, Carolyn (Willie) Fields, Marvin Murray, all of Armstrong; Anthony (Debra) Carter, Macclenny; Alvin (Paula) Carter, East Palatka; Sammie Lilly, Hastings; Benard (Estella) Carter, Robert (Sandra) Carter, Palatka; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law , Jackie Kelly, Gainesville; Evelyn (Thomas) Ellerbe, Atlanta, GA; Connie (Arliss C. Jr.,) Walker, Jacksonville; Kimberly (Cecil) Edwards, Palatka; Issac (Brenda) Johnson, Jr., Milton Johnson, Bobby Ray Johnson, all of Palatka; godson , Antonio Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and countless special friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines including required masks with social distancing, a visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, January 23, 2021, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity."  A Celebration of Life will be 1 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 118 Fairgrounds Road, East Palatka. Rev. Tommy J. Rodgers, Jr., Pastor, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Palatka, is  the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.