Obituary of William Rex Smiley

William Rex Smiley, our beloved son, died suddenly, Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the age of 28.

He is survived by his beautiful daughters, Arlaya and Emalyn; his beloved Danielle;  his mothers, Jean Smiley and Suzanne Smiley, and father, Rex Smiley, Sr.;  brothers, Ronald Fasano, Rex (Angelika) Smiley, Jr., and Nicolas Smiley; and grandparents, Angelina Smiley and Judy Schryver. Bill was also a very proud uncle of Everly Smiley and a much loved nephew, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Kathryn and Merle Baudoux.

“Wild Bill”, a truly unique, genuine and charismatic soul will fondly be remembered for not so much his brevity here, but his impact. An artist, a handyman, a romantic, a free-spirit may perhaps begin to describe his personality, but for those who knew him best, a true friend who lived to make those around him as happy and energized “in the moment” as he was.

He loved traveling to Ft. Myers Beach, listening to everything from Sinatra to the Stones, but most of all, being with his girls elevated his shining spirit tenfold.

All friends and relatives are invited to join Bill’s family for a Memorial Visitation on Friday, August 23, 2019, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet.  A Service of Remembrance will conclude the evening at 8:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s name to benefit his children’s education would be appreciated and a GoFundMe account has been established for that purpose at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-bill-smiley039s-daughters?fbclid=IwAR1v-QQUWywPHN9ypFaEPwSjxSrmDr-BlT_kisyNM1bg5o1e8ENM31FaizY.  

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com