NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Willie Shelton Smith, known affectionately by Smitty or Bubba, died October 25, after a short illness.

Born May 12, 1940 in North Carolina and a Peninsula resident since 1960’s, Smitty began working as a welder for Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Highly skilled, he worked for Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 20 years, retiring in 1999. Smitty loved watching sports and spending time with family.

He is predeceased by his parents, Dellie Smith and Louise Lassiter Smith; sisters, Jessie, Ernestine and Nettie; and brother, James.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita; daughter, Janet (Andrew); three sisters, Shirley (William), Delsie, and Joyce; stepchildren, Diane (Curtis), Tina (Michael), Joey (Debbie) and Allen (Carrie); 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 2:30 pm at Weymouth Funeral Home located at 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News with reception afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to your favorite charity.