Huey P. Wesley was born to John Wesley and Helen Audrey Wesley on March 19, 1935, in Slidell, Louisiana. He was raised by his Aunt Bertha and Uncle Clarence and accepted Christ at an early age.
Huey was preceded in death by his father and mother, three brothers (John Wesley Jr, Harry Wesley, Wallace Wesley), wife Betty Rose Wesley, son William Scott Smith Sr, and grandson William Scott Smith II.
Huey received his education in Louisiana and a few years after graduating enlisted in the United States Navy as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic Apprentice. He served 4 years and received an honorable discharge in 1958.
Huey relocated to Oakland, CA where he worked at the Naval Aviation Depot as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic and retired after 30+ years of service. He met the love of his life, Betty Rose, in 1967 and as she would often tell the story, had a 2-week courtship that ended in Huey asking for her hand in marriage at the bus stop after work. They spent 52 years in matrimony, until Betty’s untimely passing in 2019.
Huey, referred to as “Poppa” by his grandchildren, was a man of few words however had a mighty presence. He was an extremely hard worker, continuing to take on part-time work even after retirement. He loved the outdoors, never missing an opportunity to go fishing or crawfishing. He also loved to cook, to which we often teased him about his meticulous way of seasoning food. He loved home improvement projects, including building the infamous “outback” alongside Betty Rose, which was their backyard nightclub oasis. They enjoyed hosting friends and family there and playing classics from the jukebox. Huey absolutely loved his family, especially his dear Rose, providing her with phenomenal care up until she collected her wings.
He is survived by his sister Audrey Alexander, children Laurie Ann Wills and Douglas Mark Smith. Grandchildren Jason McLemore (Rayna), Jia McLemore, Dante’ Smith (Emily), Deandre Smith (Samantha), Ka’Chaunn Hardy, and Keyonn Lamell. Great grandchildren Messiah McLemore, Jason McLemore Jr, Zuri Rose Dean, William Scott Smith III, Ziah Smith, Diavione M. Smith, Dante’ M. Smith, Daysia M. Smith, Devin M. Smith, Amir Smith, Damari Smith; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
