William “Yak” Smith
On February 17th, 2026, Mr. William H. Smith left behind his family unexpectedly at his home. He was born to the late Floyd Smith and Joe Ella Smith on November 24, 1947, in Humboldt, Tennessee.
William moved to Lansing, Michigan, and started working as a security guard. He worked for Warner & Swasey Truck Company before working as an assembly worker for General Motors until his retirement. William was an avid Blues fan. He later began to let his heart follow the music and started singing and playing the harmonica. He then met Mike Espy, and they became forever friends, where he was a featured singer with the Mike Espy Band. Two albums would follow with their friendship.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of forever, Mamie M. Smith; 2 brothers, Forest “Smitty” Smith and James E. Smith; and 1 special niece, Debra A. Smith-Burke.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his 4 children, Theresa “Tracey” Smith, Phoebe Renee Thompson, Peabo (Alexis) Smith, and Matthew (Keisha) Smith; 5 grandchildren, Shauntique (Justin) Johnson, Faleesha Stevenson, BreAnte Thompson, KeAnte Thompson, and LeAnte Thompson; 1 great-granddaughter, Faelyne Mae; sisters, Annie (Willie) DeBerry, Doris Graves, and Vernell Smith and brother John (Roma) Smith, all of Lansing, Michigan; his brother, Reverend Robert (Elaine) Smith of Indianapolis, IN and adopted brothers, Cecil Brown and Timothy Harris; and special friends, Mike Espy from Fenton, Michigan, and Mark “KingFree” Freeman, Sr. of Lansing, Michigan.
He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sisters-in-law. His life, love and music will be greatly missed.
The homegoing service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Pennsylvania Ave. Original Church of God, 3500 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48910. Family hour will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church on Thursday. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to offset funeral expenses.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
6 Messages to “William “Yak” Smith”
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Michael Espy
February 20, 2026 at 3:38 pmRest in Blues Power.
Ray Aleshire
February 20, 2026 at 7:04 pmYak was a good man and fun to hang with. He sure could sing some good blues. He was, in my eyes, a real deal bluesman. He had catch phrases he used often like, “mean skanga banga” and “somebody call the po-lice.” He had a wonderful sense of humor and a glint in his eye when he was sharing a joke. Sometimes his accent and baritone voice made him hard to understand in conversation, but it never made him hard to converse with. I will miss those days of sharing shows and jamming some blues together…rest easy, brother.
Pastor Sarah F Johnson
February 20, 2026 at 11:52 pmTo the family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. May the God of all comfort bless, strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy & love, Ellis Tabernacle Original Church of God
Raymond Borgman
February 21, 2026 at 2:37 amI am sad to think you are gone. Lansing has lost an icon that didn’t think he was one.. Yak was a wonderful person the little time I got to know him..
Harry Kee
February 24, 2026 at 1:36 amI’m sorry for your loss of William. My family and I pray for your family and that you will find comfort and peace in Jesus Christ.
Harry Kee and family,
In Tennessee
Dorothy Simbler
March 4, 2026 at 2:28 amMy condolences to to Matt and the entire Smith family.