Willie Lee Smith

Deacon Willie Lee Smith, 69, of Clarksville, VA entered eternal rest Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, NC. Deacon Smith was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on August 20, 1945 to the late George W. and Carrie Henderson Smith.  In his youth he moved to New York and would remain there for more than 30 years.  During these years he served in the United States Army.  In 1973 he met and married Denise Raven and their union produced one child. Deacon Smith returned to Mecklenburg County and cared for his ailing father.  In 1997, he married Estell Venable.  Their union expanded his family with 2 children and 3 grandchildren.  He developed a passion for gardening. Deacon Smith returned to Mount Ararat Baptist Church and the community of his childhood.  He remained committed to his church family and served as a respected Deacon until the time of his passing. In August of 2014, Deacon Smith celebrated his 69th birthday at Mount Ararat Baptist Church surrounded by family and friends.  His daughter recalls the love and warmth he felt as he read the well wishes and words of encouragement in the cards he received. Cherishing his memories are his wife of 17 years, Estell Smith; daughter, N’vonah Gonzalez (Samuel); two sons, Dennis Hargrove (Lisa) and Bryan Venable; seven grandchildren, Samaiah, Lilah, Jarell,  Alisha, Christel, Jada and Harvey; two brothers, Lawrence Smith (Gail) and George Smith, Jr. (Eva); four brother-in-law, Clarence Venable (Stella), Floyd Venable, Russell Venable and Freddie Venable; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Venable, Christine Jordan (Bill), Josephine Comas and Patricia Darden; one aunt, Panthea Lyons (William), his church family and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends. Funeral services for Deacon Willie Lee Smith will be conducted 12:00 Noon Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Clarksville, VA with Rev. Raymond A. Roberts Sr., officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Smith may be viewed on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Arrangements are by C.H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clarksville, VA.  Services 12:00 Noon Tuesday September 16, 2014 Mount Ararat Baptist Church Interment With Military Honors Church Cemetery Public Viewing Monday 10:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.