Mr. Willie James Smith was born in Morris, Georgia to the late Roberta Smith and Elbert Bussey. They had five children together; Elbert Charles, Cynthia, Willie James, Jerry, and Rosa Ann. Elbert Charles (Lottie Pearl) preceded him in death on May 18, 2019 in Statesboro, Georgia. On Monday, July 8, 2019 he departed this life at Southeast Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama. He accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior in his primary years. He joined Morris First Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. C. Cook and currently under the leadership of Pastor David Ingram. He was a graduate of Stewart/Quitman High School, the Class of 1980. Willie James was a hard worker and a man of many, many trades. He worked at Adjustment Adolescent Center in Eufaula, Alabama for many years. He served faithfully at Randolph County Road Department for twenty years until his health failed. He leaves cherished memories to his devoted siblings, Cynthia (Bobby) Hardwick of Eufaula, AL, Jerry Bussey of Morris, GA, Rosa Ann (Maurice) Thomas of Phenix City, AL, Anstone, Rickie, Reggie, Jackie, Gloria, Annette, Douglas, Shelia, Catherine, Vincent, and Patricia. He leaves a faithful and devoted friend for many years, Wendy Yarbrough and her children, Tia, Jeremy and Nick. Three godchildren, Tyler & Jay Smith, and Zaylen (June Bug) Daniels. Two special cousins who were like sisters to him, Genett Wimberly & Catherine Smith and a friend who was like a brother, John Thomas Jr (B.J.); one uncle, J. W. Bussey; three aunts, Vera Hodge, Bobbie Jean Grange, Ethel Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.