Kwamae Raysean Dale "Bang" Smith

UTICA – With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Kwamae Raysean Dale “Bang” Smith, as his life was taken unjustly and untimely, on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the age of 34. Kwamae's departure from this world leaves a deep void in the hearts of his beloved family, who were praying for him in the chapel of the hospital. Born in Utica, on September 17, 1989, Kwamae was the son of Frachon Smith-Johnson and was also lovingly guided by his “Pops,” Todd Johnson. His father, Bryson K. “Big B” Collins preceded him. Kwamae attended H.R. Jones Elementary School and Donovan Middle School, where he excelled in basketball, a game he dearly loved. He attended T.R. Proctor High School and demonstrated pride and determination in earning his GED. Kwamae was blessed with his little angel Mary, with Audrianna Rodgers, who preceded them. He shared a relationship with Ashley Diaz, and their son, Kwa’shaun, was born. With Ashley Lewis, Kwamae brought into this world Kwamae, Jr. “His baby girl,” Ky’mina, came from his relationship with Fanya Hallam. Desiree Moore blessed him with Kai Smith. He cherished each of his children, holding them close in his heart. Kwamae was committed to working with the mothers of his children to keep things courteous and their focus remaining on the well-being of their children. At one time, Kwamae held a position at Western Express as a tractor-trailer driver; for which he schooled himself through (National Tractor Trailer School) earning a Class “A” license. He was always aspiring to do better and be better through all of life’s challenges. Currently, he was working at Cranesville Block Company as a cement truck driver, another position which showed his strength and courage and the grit it took to put a hard day’s work in. His character, infused with humor and charm, mirrored that of his father. Known for being a “Mama's boy,” Kwamae called his mother daily to express his love, making her feel deeply appreciated. Kwamae was a loving and caring man, known for his loyalty to family and friends. He was also known for his evolving maturity. Fishing, a generational pastime, provided him with relaxation and strengthened family bonds and they had a great time eating their catch with hot sauce! His soul radiated beauty and loyalty, and with his smile that came straight from the heart, he was a striking young man. He was endowed with rhythm, and when he was dancing, he was the leader, and whoever the partner had to keep up. Precious to Kwamae was his love and time spent with his family. He adored each and every one for the goodness he saw in each of them. During his childhood, he remembered gatherings that were so memorable. Photos recall him dancing at each family event and he sang to the beat, and everyone just enjoying being together. Family reunions, get togethers, or just a house party, were places that Kwamae could show his love and affection. Lastly, but most importantly, he would want to be remembered as a dad who loved his children. Kwamae embraced growth. He would go through things in his life that were difficult, and everyone was so proud of him for achieving special accomplishments. He never looked in the rearview mirror, always setting goals and priorities that would be beneficial to him and his family. This loss is horrifically difficult to understand, for at this time he was at peace and looking forward to achieving his life goals. Kwamae was raised up in St. Paul's Baptist Church, where he attended Sunday school and services, cultivating a personal relationship with God, of whom he relied on to guide him through his life journey. Kwamae leaves behind his devoted mother, Frachon, and his Pops, Todd; his children, Kwa’Shaun (Tameisha), Kwamae Cardier, Ky’mina, and Kai Smith. Sadly, his firstborn, Mary Smith, preceded him in passing in infancy in 2004. His legacy also extends to his precious grandchild, Ky’Mani Smith. Kwamae further leaves his memory to his siblings, Michael Smith (Alyssa), Dezmin, Reva (Derris) Bryson, Trevor, Alyssa, and Ali; a host of nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles, Simone (Robert) Bouck, and their children, Jackie, Jake, Jeffrey, as well as a son Jaylon who preceded them; Celeste Collins, Michael (Alyssa) Stanley, Paul (Sarah) Stanley, Isaiah (Ashley) Stanley, and Carl (Joyce) Stanley; great-aunts and a great-uncle, Connie Boddie, Velma Woods, Dale Hunt, and James Brown, Jr. He was blessed with cousins, who were like his own brothers and sisters, especially Kimberly, and Isaiah. Additionally, he leaves his grandpa, Paul Stanley; his godmothers, Sabrina McBride, and Samantha Stevens; and godfathers, Grandpa Paul, and John Smith. A sad farewell to his friends, Tamar, Yeyo, Tone, Gucci, and CP. Kwamae's journey was preceded by his maternal great-grandparents, James “Tender” Brown, Sr. and Doretha Woods; his maternal grandmother, Mary Smith; and great-uncles, Nova Lee Woods, Robert “Link” Smith, Ronnie Woods, Larry Woods, and Milton Boddie, Sr. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Tina Hill. All are welcome to visitation, which will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah Street. Kwamae’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m., immediately upon the conclusion of visitation at the church. Those unable to attend may be present virtually on Zoom, Meeting ID: 83563895256; Passcode: 179797.

Kwamae Raysean Dale "Bang" Smith

September 17, 1989 - November 12, 2023