Willard Carroll Smith Sr.
Willard Carroll Smith Sr. the father of Hollywood star, Will Smith has passed away.
The sad news was confirmed by the actor’s ex-wife Sheree Fletcher. She was Will’s first wife from 1992 until 1995, they share one son together, 23-year-old Trey Smith.
Fletcher shared a photo of Will and his late father along with a young Trey. Paying a touching tribute to her former father-in-law, she captioned the Instagram photo
We’re gonna miss you Daddio! You lived & played by your own rules…
‘You truly were 1 of a kind! You instilled discipline, and a work ethic that has created a legacy in your honor!’
Carroll Smith, Sr., was married to Will’s mother, Caroline Bright. The couple raised four children including their actor son.
Willard Carroll Smith Sr. and his wife settled in West Philadelphia’s Wynnefield neighborhood. Aside of Will –their second child –the couple became parents to daughter Pamela, who is four years older than Will. They also had twins Harry and Ellen.
After serving as a member of the US Air Force, Willard Carroll Smith Sr. worked as a refrigeration engineer. He became an independent businessman who set up refrigeration in supermarkets.
While his wife Caroline, was a school board administrator. He and his wife separated in the early 80’s. The couple didn’t actually go ahead with a divorce until almost two decades later.
Though he and his wife separated, Smith Sr. always provided for his children, according to Will.
He was quoted praising his dad:
“I look at my father and how he was able to keep four kids fed and clothed and still managed to find time to spend with us”
The father-son duo, kept a close relationship. Through his biographical book, Will revealed his father kept him away from doing drugs by showing him first hand the tough Philly neighborhoods.
He also described him as a ‘steady and positive figure’ in his life.
Smith Sr. other son, Harry Smith, is married to TV personality Ananda Lewis. He worked as an accountant for Will’s Treyball Entertainment.
Daughter, Ellen Smith was married to Dee Lawrence Downs in 2004. Her husband was arrested on federal drug charges in 2013.
We send our condolences to the Smiths.
