Dewain Smith

Brother Dewain Edwards Smith, lovingly known to family and friends as Wayne, was born on August 17, 1956 in Bessemer, AL. He was the beloved son of Grady J. Smith and Ruby Nell Edwards. Dewain was the oldest of six siblings who grew up together, establishing cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Dewain confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Bethlehem Baptist Church under the Pastoral leadership of Reverend William H. Walker.

Dewain pursued his dream of serving his country July 1974 by joining the Marine Corps, where he defended his country until his honorable discharge. He came home and found employment at Pulman Standard on Sixth Avenue where his love of nice cars was ignited after buying a green Buick 225 (deuce and a quarter) while working there. He was later employed at Stockham Valve and Fitting and Coca Cola Bottling Co. but his true passion was set when he joined the Job Corps at the Pascagoula, MS shipyard and became a Master Welder traveling all over the south performing his trade.

Beyond his military and professional achievements, Dewain's unwavering and unmeasured love for family was more dearing to him. His "patriarch" mentality was always shown by sacrificing other dreams and ambitions in life that he may have wanted to achieve in order to provide and help his children and siblings accomplish theirs. He truly loved the sacredness of family and cherished time spent building memories with them.

Dewain's "life of the party" personality, tales of his old "pool shark" days and love of nice cars and clothes will truly be missed.

Dewain departed his earthly life on April 12, 2024 leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him most. His memory will forever be treasured by children: Lashanda (Keith) Swift, Delecia (Sedrus) Steele, and Dewaine (Kinyairah) Smith, Jr.; step-daughter, Ayanna Rice; his siblings: Sheila (Isaac) Knox, Franchisca (Billy) Jones, Valerie (Eddie) Yearby, Debbie (Leon) Pennington, and Demetrius Smith; loving grandchildren: ShaMarion, Massiah, Ka'Myra, Na'Aja, Zuri, Skyye, Dewaine, Malyia, Tython, and Leghen; special friend, Mary Williams; childhood best friend Mark Jones; two former wives and friends: Annette Oats and Venus Smith; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.