Jimmie Smith was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on July 30, 1940 to the parents of Charlie Lee, Sr. and Bertha Smith. Jimmie was the 8th child to this union.
Jimmie moved to Chicago in 1964. On May 16, 1966 Jimmie was joined in Holy Matrimony to Willie Dean Coats. Through the span of his life, Jimmie was blessed with eight children.
He was an excellent chef at New Capri Restaurant for many years in Chicago, IL. Later he opened his own business Smitty's Carpet Cleaning. He was an advocate for teaching his children to benefits of hard work ethics and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved babysitting his grandchildren and especially creating new dishes for them to eat. Jimmie's favorite word was flippity. Flippity – when a child is using words to be sarcastic/smart.
Jimmie was preceded in death by both of his parents Charlie Lee, Sr. and Bertha Smith and one brother (Robert Smith).
Jimmie was called home to stand beside the Heavenly Father on July 8, 2010 at 8:40 PM.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory and continue his legacy eight beautiful children, Mr. Gary Smith (Jacqueline), Mr. Jimmie Smith, Mr. Eric Smith (Antoinette), Mrs. Janice Jordan (Noah), Mrs. Norvell Batie (Lynn), Ms. Anita Owens, Ms. Doris Coats, Ms. Alinda Coats.; 21 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; Tykllia Coats, Nasir Christion, Jacelynn and Anita Naomi Baker; six brothers Charlie Lee Smith, Jr. (Luberta) - Chicago, Reuben Smith (Evelyn)- Maywood, IL, Hayward Smith, Chicago, IL, William Smith (Pat) – Evanston, IL, Frank Smith (Florence) – North Little Rock, Freddie Smith - (Maumelle, AR), four daughters Lucille Parker – Gary, IN, Annie M. Twillie – Chicago, Rosie Lucas – Forrest City, AR, Charlean Mc Stadden – Oak Park, MI and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.