Willie James "Smokey" Frazier

Willie James Frazier

“Smokey”

October 6, 1945 - October 28, 2023

Willie James Frazier was born October 6, 1945, in Camden, Arkansas. He was the 5th child born to the late Walter Lee Frazier, Louiza Tatum Frazier, and Elizabeth Frazier. Willie is one of twenty siblings--seven preceded him in death: Walter James Frazier, John Lewis Paschal, Bessie Helen Elliott, Herbert Oliver, Elizabeth Ann Smith, Linda Faye Frazier, and Pearlene McConnell.

Willie attended Lafayette County Schools. He loved attending class reunions and spending time with his classmates. In June 1968, Willie joined the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War. He earned the following medals for his valiant service: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Rifle-MM badge, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After he returned home Willie went into the reserve and was honorably discharged in September 1974. 

Willie was a hard-working man. From childhood, he worked with his dad in the log woods. He was known for driving and drove log trucks his entire life. He later started his own logging business, Frazier Logging. In the 80s, Willie worked at General Dynamics where he met his wife, Ida Joe. They were married on April 28, 1990. To this union three children were born; Amanda and two who preceded him in death. Willie was a father to seven children; Tomeka Warren, Amanda James, Kenneth Frazier, Marcus Joe, and three who preceded him in death: Brenda Hamilton, Bernard Frazier, and Mario Frazier. Willie was also a father figure to two of his grandchildren, Ashanti Kemp and Shakeem Frazier.

Willie was a faithful man who helped anyone anyway he could. He made lasting impressions on everyone he met. Willie was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church. He loved singing and praying and would quickly belt out a song or prayer during service. Amanda vividly remembers her Dad dressing up in his suit on Sunday morning and blasting the Williams Brothers on the stereo. In his spare time, Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his brother-in-law, Cleven, who he proudly called “LAW”.

Willie departed his earthly life on October 28, 2023. Family who will share love and memories of Willie are: His loving wife of 33 years: Ida Frazier, his daughters: Amanda James & Tomeka Warren, his grandchildren: Sean, Troy, De’Aundray, Eric, Kenja, Ashanti, Shakeem, and Amya, his great grandchildren, his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service will be held at the St. Stephens Baptist Church Stephens, AR. Rev. Daryl Hope will be the eulogist. Interment will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

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