William Smith

June 11, 1937 - February 15, 2021

William Smith was born June 11, 1937 to the late Mattie Bea Williamson and Taft Smith in Laurinburg, NC. During his childhood, William attended various grade schools such as Cool Spring, Hasty School, Shaw High School, and Carver High School. He graduated from Lincoln Heights High School in 1956. All of the schools William attended were in Laurinburg, NC. He was affiliated with the historic African American preparatory school, Laurinburg Institute and was involved with the alumni meetings and reunions for several years. William and his siblings were raised by his Grandmother, Mae Bell Williamson in Carolina Park and Washington Park in Laurinburg, NC. He met Mrs. Mae Willie Alford and her family on Phritz Street. They became a part of his extended family/friends. William relocated to New York City in 1957 to experience more diversity, broader social endeavors, and job opportunities. Traveling to various locations like Puerto Rico and California were places he loved to visit. Attending Broadway plays and concerts were a great part of his past-time. He worked at Fallsburg Hotel Resort and later pursued a job position in sales for large department store chains such as Gimbels, Klein’s and Macy's. William was also employed at Bradford's, a Men's neckwear store in New York. While working in sales, William worked part-time in the security department for the World Trade Center until the 9/11 disaster. He then relocated to work security for the United Nations under the Japanese Embassy. After many years of security, William retired. He then decided to surround himself in the artistic environment of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center as an usher before fully retiring from all work. On February 15, 2021, William was called home to the Lord to join his siblings Katherine S. Wheeler Byrd, Walter Dupree Smith, and Robert Taft Smith. William leaves to cherish his memories: Nephews Frederick Smith, Victor Wheeler, Roderick Wheeler and The late Anthony Wheeler; his "adopted with love" son and daughter, The Late Dr. Vernon R. Alford Jr., Dell M. Alford; his beloved God Children (affectionately called his "adopted Grandchildren”) Mia Alford-Fearon, Brooke Alford-Chambers, and Vernon Alford III; many first cousins including the Worth family; Great nieces and nephews; Great Great nieces and nephews; and loving, long-time friends Gilbert Jamison, Ralph Luna, Danny Ratcliffe, Lucien Todd, Noven Denton, Florence Reid, Joh Ishikane & Alonzo, his 2nd Presbyterian Church Family in Newark, NJ, and other relatives and friends.