Wendell Smith

Wendell Tommy Smith, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at age 66. Wendell was born April 20, 1959, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Lucy Mae and Willie Thomas Smith.

Wendell graduated from Saginaw High School in 1977. He married Joyce Pruitt on April 28, 1989. After 20 years with GM, Wendell retired. Wendell enjoyed many hobbies. Cooking was one of Wendell’s favorite pastimes. He enjoyed trying new recipes and grilling outside with family and friends. Wendell was a car and sports enthusiast who loved watching football, basketball, wrestling, and going to car shows. He also enjoyed relaxing with a good western movie and singing. Wendell loved clothes and would dress to the dime; he would say, affectionately, “I’m clean.”

Wendell leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Joyce Pruitt Smith; two daughters, Mary Lewis and Natisha (McConnie) Sanders; granddaughter, Jade My’Leigh Sanders; brother, Allen (Denise) Smith; godsister, Danyell Weary; nieces, Alana Smith, Coco Moore, Beyonca Carruth, Jasmine Camel; great nieces, Malaysia Wilson and Ka'Mia Carruth; great nephews, Caleb Bow, Kameron Carruth, Saint Wilson, and Mac Carruth; sisters-in-law, First Lady Shirley Camel, Pauline Pruitt, Lorraine Brown, and Betty Daily; brothers-in-law, Freddie Sykes and Bishop Larry D. Camel; many other relatives and special friends, Raymond Hicks, Betty Sanders, JD Brown, Anthony and Danny Pickett, Ken Williams, Mark Young, and Ruben Hill.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy Mae and Willie Thomas Smith; son, baby Wendell Jamie Smith; nephew, Donald Smith; sister, Denise Sykes; grandmother, Willie Lou Thompson; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jamie and Earlene Pruitt.