Willard Carroll Smith Sr., the father of actor Will Smith, has died. Will Smith’s ex-wife, Sheree Fletcher, posted about her son’s grandfather’s death on Instagram.
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“We’re gonna miss you Daddio!” wrote Fletcher in a heartfelt tribute. “You lived & played by your own rules…you truly were 1 of a kind! You instilled discipline, and a work ethic that has created a legacy in your honor! (Pic left to right: Will Smith II; Will Smith III (Trey); Will Smith I (Daddio!) #RIPDaddio#donttellmetheresnothingyoucantdo#WillSMITH1.”
In a 2014 interview, Smith Sr. praised his son’s work and gave credit to God.
In an Essence interview, Will Smith spoke about how his father’s tough love shaped him.
“Dad was tough but not tyrannical,” Smith told Essence. “He kept me in line. He’d get this look that said, ‘One more step, Will, and it’ll get ugly.’ He was an independent businessman—he set up refrigeration in supermarkets—and he always provided for us. He’s a steady and positive figure in my life.”
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