Gene A. Smith

Mr. Gene Autry Smith was born April 26, 1936, to his parents Jimmie and Eather Ella (Caffey) Smith in Grenada, MS. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Grenada. And would later reaffirm his faith at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Champaign, IL. In 1953, he left Turrell, AR deciding to make his way to Detroit, MI to live with his sister. In route, he stopped in Champaign and was offered a job. This layover began the establishment of his own foundation in Illinois.

Virdie Carter would become his future wife, and they married on September 11, 1955. They would go on to be married for over 60+ years. From their union they had two sons, Eugene (Velma) Smith of Champaign and Chad (Sadaka) Smith of Chicago; three grandchildren Aden and Adrian Smith and Andre Taylor.

On December 2, 2007, Gene was ordained as Deacon of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Willie Williams and Pastor Nathan Williams Jr. Affectionately known as “Deak”, he became a devout member of New Foundation Missionary Baptist Church in Champaign, IL. In his early employment, having honed his culinary skills at the Mel’s Restaurant and the Ramada Inn, he was an excellent cook. After 30+ years with Aramark he retired as a route delivery service agent. Not to be mistaken as a Griot but he was known for a good memory as well as great “storyteller”, even if some of those stories embellished the truth!

Deak Smith was a warrior until the end. From taking care of his wife in the thrones of Alzheimer’s disease. Visiting those who were ailing and shut in. His own comeback from a heart attack and battle against metastatic prostate cancer. Even in those final moments with the cancer laying waste to his body he had a good spirit and his sense of humor.

He transitioned from this earthly life to be reunited with Christ and loved ones on March 6, 2025. In his Homecoming he will reconcile with his wife and parents. Six sisters; Doretha Smith of Grenada, MS, Jimmie Lee English (William) of Waycross, GA, Kathleen Burns (Cleophus) of Detroit, MI, Nellie Florence Brown (Steve), Caroline Ross (Isiah), and Ora Dean Sallee (Ned). Three brothers; Charles Lindbergh Smith (Minerva Jean) of Champaign, IL, Joe Louis Smith (Wanda Ruth) and Roosevelt Smith of Urbana, IL.

Surviving siblings include sisters Lonnie Jean McKnight (Edgar) of Champaign, IL and Willie Mae Towns (Lawrence) of Chicago, IL; and brother Royce Chester Smith (Sederra) of Indianapolis, IN. His two sons, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. The extended Flemming family. A host of nieces and nephews and other loving, enduring family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at New Foundation Missionary Baptist Church 922 West Eureka Street Champaign, IL 61821. Officiating will be Rev. Nathan Williams Jr. 

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 has been entrusted with handling arrangements.

Please join Gene's family in sharing memories, pictures, or videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com