WILLIAM SMITH

William Edward Smith, Jr., affectionately known as JellyRoll, was born June 13, 1955 to the parents of William E. Smith, Sr and Ruth Jones. He was later adopted by Mr. L.C. and Mrs. Hattie Rogers who reared William in his childhood. His mother later married Edward Jones.

William received his formal education within the Dallas Independent School District, graduating in 1974 from North Dallas High School. He went on to receive a scholarship and play Division I football at Bishop College, now known as Paul Quinn College (Dallas, TX) and completed his degree spring of 1985.

William entered the workforce after college, joining Williamson Printing. He later went on to work for Suncoast Resources, ReadyMix, Dallas Independent School District, and Premier Transportation. He also played semi-professional football for the Texas Wranglers and Dallas Outlaws who will miss him and infectious laughter dearly.

William began his Christian journey at a young age, attending Greater El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Later on, the Holy Spirit sent him to New Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church where the Late Rev. S. B. Jackson Sr. was the pastor. In 2019, William Smith, Jr. and his family welcomed Pastor Earl D. Thomas, whom he helped nurture as a child, as their new pastor and continued to be a faithful member who sung in the choir, served on the Usher Board and the Brotherhood Ministry.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William Smith, Sr., and Ruth Jones; his step-father, Edward Jones; his adoptive parents, L.C. and Hattie Rogers; and his daughter, Calvinia Gholston.

William leaves to cherish his precious memories: his lovely wife of 43 years, Michelle Smith; son, William Edward Smith, III (LaMeicka); daughter, Charise Gholston; six grandchildren, Lamontry Lott, Mikel Lott, Bianca Lott, Sha’Doniva Hardmon, Dwayne Luckey (Shevon), and Alexia Smith; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Bennett of Palmdale, CA and Althea Brown (Roland) of Galveston, TX; one brother, Emanuel King (Tito) of Kendleton, TX; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family, and friends.