William Leon Smoot

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 WILLIAM LEON SMOOT, the first born child of the late Rosetta Sarah and William Ignatius Smoot entered this life on Christmas Day, December 25, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was affectionately known as “Sonny” to his friends and family. God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, and He called Sonny home to be with Him on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11:07 p.m. Sonny received his formal education in the Baltimore City Public School System. As recently as 2010 he was taking computer courses where he excelled in his studies. He was employed with the Railroad for a number of years, but retired from the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) after twenty-two years of service. He was later employed at the Paca House as a Receptionist until his illness. Sonny was a faithful Catholic since childhood and made St. Francis Xavier his church home. In later years due to health issues he worshiped at his family church, New Covenant Tabernacle. He loved to study the Word of God and read his Bible every night. He loved the Psalms and the books of Samuel. He also loved Bible Trivia amazing us with his knowledge of the Bible. Sonny was a strong man with strong morals, values and self pride. He was very wise and a keen discerner of people and personalities. Sonny was a faithful family man and friend. At family gatherings he insisted that the turkey not be carved until he arrived since he was the “Elder” in the family. He insisted on making his brother-in-law a “Made Man” and named him Tommy Yudo. In return he earned the title of “Santini” which he cherished. He loved old movies and westerns and had a collection that would rival the best of them. He was a movie buff and historian. You could ask him any question about a movie and he could tell you the name of the movie, date it was made and all the Actors who starred in it. Strength, Wisdom and no-non-sense are characteristics that best describe Sonny. He was an ardent President Obama fan and even though he was frail and not well, he made sure he got out to cast his vote. He was a good cook and made the best meals and even up to his last days he was still cooking and taking care of himself. Many will remember him for his sharp dress, his hats, shoes, matching ties and handkerchiefs. He would, however, much rather be remembered as a man who shed his earthly clothes and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Sonny went home to the Lord clothed in righteousness as a new and transformed man. Sonny leaves to cherish his memory: his only son, Anthony Leon Smoot; granddaughter, Natasha Smoot; great-grandson, Da’Sauni Richardson; a devoted sister, Rosalind Schwind; devoted brother-in-law, Rev. Thomas R. Schwind; brother, Norman “Butchie” Wilson; sister-in-law, Vanessa Wilson; aunt, Carolyn Melvin; a faithful cousin, Rhonda Whitehead; faithful friends, Vernon Wright, Ronald Carroll, Calvin Flemming and Charles Roc Dutton; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and life-long friends. Three brothers preceded him in death, Charles and James Smoot and Glenn Wilson

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William Leon Smoot

December 25, 1931 - January 3, 2013