Arthur Smith, Sr.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.   Revelations 21:4

Arthur Smith Sr., also known as Big Smitty and Bishop, departed this life February 24, 2020 in the comfort of his home of over 40 years on Mains Creek Rd in Chesapeake, VA.  He was born on February 28, 1935 to Johnie Roberts and Etta Smith Moore in Gaston, NC.  Arthur moved to Norfolk, VA at the age of 14 where he met and married his wife Wilhelmenia Worrell Smith in 1954.  From this union came two lovely children: Helena Smith and Arthur Smith Jr.

Arthur Sr. was truly a jack of all trades, an avid gardener, and enjoyed working with his hands.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a mentor to all that crossed his path.  Smitty worked several jobs before becoming a Longshoreman in 1955 and retired from ILA Local 1458 in 1985.  He was a long-term member of The Jesus Christ Charity’s Faith Temple Church.

Arthur was predeceased by his parents and wife.  He leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter and one son; Helena Smith and Arthur Smith Jr.; two grandchildren,  U-gandalah Smith and Usellyan Smith; 4 great-grandchildren, Uniqua Smith, Naysia Ford, Osiris Ford, and Akori Ford; one great-great grandchild, Shelton “Huey” Ryland III; and one sister Willie Mae Roberts Davenport.