Will Smith III

(September 17, 1954 - June 30, 2025)

Will Smith III, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on June 30th after living life fully and unapologetically on his own terms.

A brilliant thinker with a sharp wit and a heart full of loyalty, he was the kind of person who could hold court with anyone, whether debating philosophy, dissecting the latest headlines from the Washington Post, or sharing decades worth of football stats and trivia. In 1968, he was awarded a scholarship from the Anne C. Stouffer Foundation, which offered full scholarships for young Black students to integrate elite southern boarding schools. Will was a member of the first class at St. Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida to include Black students. Ever the studious intellectual, he graduated as class valedictorian.

A proud graduate of Georgetown University, he was a die-hard Hoyas fan. He was equally devoted to the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), never wavering in his fandom through winning and losing seasons. After spending time in California, France, and India, much of Will's professional life was spent in Washington, DC's restaurant scene and later in Hampton Roads. He was a consummate professional and proud of his craft. Expertly trained, he approached his work with skill, humor, and deep pride. He believed service was an art and he practiced it with care and style. He also shared his love of reading as an adult literacy tutor at the Pearl Bailey Library.

Above all, family was everything to Will. He had a gift for storytelling and a memory like a steel trap, with the ability to recount the good old days like they happened yesterday. Will was a loving son, a cool brother, and a fun cousin, but being an uncle was his superpower. His nieces and nephews adored him, and for good reason. He showed up for their big moments, but also made the small ones magical, with his captivating tales, long walks exploring the wonders of the East End, and plenty of silliness.

Will's absence will be felt deeply, but we'll carry his legacy with us in family lore, inside jokes, and spirited debates about sports, politics, or life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Will Smith Jr. and his sister Shelly T. Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory three devoted siblings: Tracy Smith Brooks (Charles), Anona Smith Williams (Charles), and Amy Smith Jasper (Keith); cherished nieces and nephews: Terry Smith, Jaye Smith, Taylor Jasper (Alexis), Milan Brooks, and Justin Jasper; and many loving relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 11, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. The family invites you to celebrate Will's life with a memorial luncheon and toast on Saturday, July 12, at 12:00 p.m. at Pour Girls Restaurant (upstairs), located at 17 E Queens Way, Hampton, VA. Parking is available in lots on Wine Street. Interment will be at Hampton Memorial Gardens.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.