Obituary of Willis Henry Smith, III

Willis Henry "Womping Willy" "Sonny" Smith, III, 79, of Peru and formerly of Malone, died unexpectedly Friday, September 17, 2021 at the UVM Health Network, CVPH in Plattsburgh, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Newton, New Jersey, July 5, 1942, the son of the late Willis, Jr. and Clara (Crawn) Smith. He married the love of his life, Helen (Cobb) Smith, February 26, 1967, in Montague, New Jersey. Willis and Helen moved to the North Country in 1968 and settled in North Bangor and Malone. Willis was a farmer at heart and a truck driver, along with several other jobs. Willis loved Holstein cows and dreamed of farming again someday. He was an avid wrestling and NASCAR fan. Willis was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He hauled water to the American Red Cross during 9/11. His favorite pastime was to talk and tell people about his experiences. He was a family man who loved his children and adored his grandchildren. Left to cherish the memory of Willis are, his wife of 54 years, Helen Smith; brother, Peter (Sue) Smith of Port Jervis, New Jersey; brother-in-law, Richard (Barb) Cobb; four children, Willis H. Smith, IV and his wife, Amy, Elizabeth Jost and her husband, Eric, Sarah Diorio and husband Brian, and Charles Smith; seven grandchildren, Daniel "DJ" Evans, Zoe Diorio, Raven Diorio, Xander Diorio, Xavier Diorio, Abigail Jost, and Willis H. "Billy" Smith, V; one great-granddaughter, Addilyn Panhurst; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. At Willis's request there will be no public calling hours or services. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of one's choice, the Franklin County Down Syndrome Society, any Autism Charity, or by supporting your local farmers by buying local and being patient when they are operating they're equipment on public roads. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.