Willie James Wright, affectionately known to his family and friends as "Smiley", was born on February 25, 1945 in Saint Stephen, South Carolina, the eldest child and only son of the late Lillie Mae Wright Beauford and the late Sandy Gourdine, as well as big brother to sisters, Vernell, Lula and Darlene. Willie spent his early years living in Saint Stephen, SC with his grandmother, the late Lena Bell Aull Wright Gourdine. His formative years were spent in the Saint Stephen's Education System, graduating from Russellville High School in May 1963. After graduating from high school, he decided to spread his wings and enlisted with the United States Army. He served two years at various locations around the country. After receiving an honorable discharge, Willie traveled north and made his home in New York City with his mother, until he met and married Jacqueline McNeely in September 1968. Their marriage produced two children, Kimberlee Denise Lisette and Kristopher James. Later in life he had two additional marriages. Willie joined the New York Police Department (NYPD) as a motor vehicle operator from 1966-1968 and then joined US Post Office in a similar role from 1968-1972. In April 1972, he found his true calling and became a bus driver with the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MABSTOA), where he worked for more than 20 years until he retired. For a number of years, Willie was also a member of the Army Reserves with the 369th Transportation Company, out of the 369 Harlem Armory Center. After he retired, he did what he always said that he would do and moved back to the place where he believed he was truly rooted - SOUTH CAROLINA. After settling in his beloved Saint Stephen, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends (old and new), driving his truck, deer hunting and fishing. Willie rejoined the Saint Stephen Baptist Church, where he had been a member in his younger days, before leaving South Carolina in the 1960's and became an active member of the church community. When Willie's health began to decline, and he was no longer able to live on his own, he moved to the Veteran's Victory House in Walterboro, SC. He lived there for the last five years of his life, making new friends and flirting with the nurses and other staff charged with his care. He loved and looked forward to the regular visits he received from his dear cousin and church deacon, who would spend time chatting and praying with him. Willie's health took a serious turn on Saturday, December 28, 2013, and he fought tirelessly to get well, but it was simply not to be. Willie passed into glory on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 with his sister, Darlene and dear friend, Deana by his side and in the hearts of the rest of his family. Willie is survived by his two children, Kimberlee Denise Lisette of New York, New York and Kristopher James of Portland, Oregon. He is also survived by his sisters, Vernell Beauford of New York, Lula McQueen of Cincinnati, Ohio and Darlene Montgomery of Columbia, South Carolina; nieces and nephews, Jason McQueen, Erin McQueen, Courtney Montgomery and Harry "Monte" Montgomery; grandnephews, Donovan, Desmond, Derion; and a host of cousins and friends from all corners of the country. Last but not least, he is survived by his close friend, confidante, surrogate advocate and "Honey Bunny", Deana Hawkins.