Priest Smith

Priest Smith ‘Bull”, age 83, of Lake Station, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 31, 1943, in Prattville, Alabama, to the late Leonard and Corene (nee Mims) Smith.

Priest was one of nine children, growing up with six brothers and two sisters. Along with his brothers Priest moved to Chicago, Illinois, to begin building a life of his own. There, he started a new chapter and created a foundation for the future. He later met his loving wife, Vanessa (nee Layton) Smith and moved to Indiana. Priest and Vanessa shared 24 wonderful years together and built a loving family.

Priest was a retired truck driver and later became self-employed as a diesel mechanic. He was a hardworking man who took pride in everything he did. Priest was the kind of person who always liked to stay busy and could often be found working on something or finding a way to lend a helping hand. His family was the most important thing in his life. He cherished the time he spent with his loved ones and found great joy in taking care of them. He enjoyed music, cooking, and preparing country breakfasts for his family every day. Making sweet potato pie was one of his greatest joys, a heartfelt way of remembering his beloved mother. He also had a special love for his dogs, Daisy and Gracie, and lovingly cooked for them every day. His pets were more than companions; they were cherished members of his family. Those who knew Priest will remember his big smile, his great laugh, and his kind soul. He had a way of making others feel welcomed and loved. His nickname “Bull” reflected his hardheadedness and strength. He showed kindness and respect to everyone he met and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Vanessa Smith of Indiana; his sons, Nathaniel Smith of Indiana, Prettice (Irma) Smith of California, Christopher Rolfes of Illinois, and Johnathan (Melissa) Kisielewski of Illinois; daughters, Kayla Smith of Indiana, Stephanie Sims of Georgia, Kimberley Smith of Georgia, Trina (Terrence) Forbes-Taylor of Georgia, Latoya Paschal of California, Dawnielle Smith of Georgia, and Taylorann Smith of Georgia; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Corine Smith; six brothers, Lee, Charles, Willi, Truman, Dean, and Billy Joe Smith; and two sisters, Mattie Sanders and Fannie Thomas

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, Indiana 46368. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 pm, also at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. Cremation was entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.