Mr. Daniel Smith Jr.

Mr. Daniel Smith, Jr, 73, transitioned from this life to his heavenly home at 12:25 am on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at UnityPoint Health Methodist Hospital. Daniel was born on April 8, 1949 in Sidon, MS to Daniel and Nora (Kyles) Smith. He married Denise Proctor in 1998 in Peoria, IL. Daniel worked at Caterpillar, Inc. as a floor leader and supervisor, retiring after 40 years of service. After retirement, he worked part-time for Central Illinois Agency On Aging, Inc. Daniel moved to Peoria in 1963. He was a 1968 Manual “Ram” High School graduate where he was a member of the basketball team. Daniel went to Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL and University of Illinois, Champaign, IL. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration at Robert Morris College. Daniel was a member of Morning Star M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Calvin Hightower, Sr. where he served as a Deacon since 1986, Sunday School Teacher and many other positions within the church. He also served in the Missionary Baptist District Association, the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, State Laymen President for seven years and the Laymen Ministry of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Daniel liked walking his dog, watching boxing and basketball on TV. He was a U of I Fighting Illini and Chicago Bulls Basketball fan. Daniel leaves to cherish his most precious memories his wife, Denise Smith; five daughters, Darlene “DeeDee” Smith and Desiree Morris both of Peoria, IL, Danielle (Marty) Davis of Woodstock, GA, Dana (Bobby) Tavares of Philadelphia, PA and Taylor Smith of Memphis, TN; three sons, Justin Smith of Peoria, IL; Willam Morris, Jr. of Maui, HI and D’Andre Lewis of Peoria, IL; six sisters, Kattie Lee, Sally Williams and Maxine Jones both of Peoria, IL, Janet Gray, Denise Smith and Dorothy (Walter) James all of Boston, MA; ten grandchildren, Lonnie, Aaron, Darious, Chatavia, Aerial, Destanee, Erin, Nadia, Landon and Lewis two great grandchildren and host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded by his parents and two brothers. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at New Morning Star M.B. Church with a visitation one-hour prior at 9 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr. will officiate. Daniel will be entombed at Swan Lake Mausoleum. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Daniel Smith Jr.

April 8, 1949 - January 26, 2023