PIERRE, SD – Willis James Smith, age 84 of Pierre, SD passed away on September 16, 2024 at his apartment in Pierre, SD.

A celebration of life will be held on October 6th (his birthday) at Richie Z’s Brickhouse Bbq and Grill in Pierre at 12:30.

He was born on October 6th, 1939, in Watertown, SD to Versal and Laurice Smith, the 4th of eight children.

Willis attended country schools near Watertown and Florence, SD. He graduated from Webster High School in 1959. He attended and graduated from Northern State College in 1962. After graduation he taught Math, English and Science in North Dakota and California.

In 1962 he married his first wife Amy (Mouw) Smith in Ellendale, ND. From this union, Shauna, Jodi, and Steven were born.

In 1967, he moved his family back to South Dakota and began his second career in data processing for the State of South Dakota’s Bureau of Finance and Management until his retirement in October of 1987.

After being retired for a while from the State he did go back into teaching for a few years, but soon realized that retirement was the best job he ever had.

He was a man with many names: Willis, Willy, Will, Papa Willy, Grandpa, uncle Willy, but the name he took the most pride in was Dad and we knew we were loved.

He had told us that his dad’s name- Versal was short for universal. We think dad’s name was given to him as a way to describe him: “WILL IS” funny, intelligent, caring, giving, artistic and a very special man in our lives. But most importantly “WILL IS “ living (lived) his life on his terms and conditions.

He enjoyed remodeling homes, fishing, gardening, stained glass, wood working and carving , puttering around the yard, dancing and writing poetry.

He loved food and a sweet treat. He always had Coke or cup of coffee on hand.

He also had a love for animals, especially horses and dogs.

His later activities included; watching the news and the stock market, watching the construction of new housing from his apartment balcony window, visitors and most of all texting us to let us know he was doing well or to ask about how we were or if he needed something.

Dad enjoyed his holiday meals. After a few mishaps with letting him bring the cranberries or wine, we limited him to pickles, buns or a special dish prepared by his niece Dena that he had been craving. He was always the last to finish, savoring every last bite.

Willis is survived by his three children: Shauna (Kevin) Swanson of Pierre Jodi (Reid) Widvey of Fort Pierre, Steven Smith of Pierre, and one grandson Blake (Logan) Widvey Fort Pierre, sister Lori (Rich) Shangreaux, and brother Chuck Smith. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews and their children, and his former wives Amy and Marcia. Also included are his special friends Autumn, Aric and Anthony McKnight and Roger Edwards.

Willis is preceded in death by his parents Versal and Laurice Smith , his brother Francis Smith, and his sisters Phyllis Gustafson, Deloris VanSchoiak, Marilyn Heuer and Carol Smith and his loyal dog Nubby.

The memories of him will always be with us and we will be reminded to dream big and to carry out the rest of our days the way we want.

We will miss him deeply.

Wish he was here to read one final text- We love you Dad! Later

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