Mr. Sam "Tootie Pop" Smith Jr.

April 20, 1954 - February 24, 2022

Mr. Sam Smith, Jr., 67, of Peoria, IL passed away at 3:14 am on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Sam, affectionally known as “Tootie Pop”, was born on April 20, 1954 in Halls, TN to Sam, Sr. and Dochie (Payne) Smith. Sam worked at Glideaway Bed & Carriage as a press machine operator and forklift driver. He loved to play card games and fish. Sam loved his family and his children. Sam leaves to cherish his most precious memory two sons, Sam Junior (Lacie) Smith of Green Bay, WI and Christopher Michael Smith-Brooks of Peoria, IL; two daughters, Samantha (Marcus Thompson) Smith and Cara Emily Smith-Brooks both of Peoria, IL; three step-children, James and Penny Richardson both of Peoria, IL and Molly Smith of Louisville, KY; three sisters, Mary (Robert) Booker, Fannie Tipton both of Peoria, IL and Bertha Burnett of Milwaukee, WI; two brothers, Ray Winbush of Detroit, MI and David Miller of Covington, TN; five grandchildren, one of whom he helped raise, Adrianna Mitchell; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, friends and a sister-in-law, Kathy Smith of Covington, TN. He is preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, Issac Smith, S.D. Smith, Frank Smith, John Wesley Smith, Joseph Smith, Billy Smith, Jr., William Lawrence and J.D., and one sister, Annie B. Flowers. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Sovereign Grace M.B. Church with a visitation beginning at 9 am. Pastor Alvin Riley, Sr. will officiate. Sam will be laid to rest at Historic Springdale Cemetery. 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. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, 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!