Mr. Akevia Emil Smith was the son of Cardelia Anderson Cunningham and Reverend Fred L. Smith and was born on April
7, 1973, in Florence, Alabama. He went to be with the Lord on February
15, 2023, at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital in
Birmingham, Alabama.

Akevia gave his life to the Lord at an early age and joined Petersville
Missionary Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir.
Akevia graduated from Coffee High School in 1991 and moved to
Birmingham, Alabama, to attend (UAB) University of Alabama
in Birmingham. He was very passionate about sports and made
a career revolving around sports activities. He was most proud
of his Ladies of Excitement basketball team. His last place of
employment was with Trussville Parks and Recreation where he
served as a Recreation Leader. Akevia loved people and loved to
debate. He was a very loving, kind-hearted, and resourceful man.
Akevia was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Lucian
Anderson, Jr., and Lovella Anderson and Matthew Smith and
Bernice Smith.
Akevia leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Cardelia
Cunningham and stepfather, Derrick King of Florence; father, Reverend Fred L. Smith of
Florence; siblings, Antonio Anderson (Shirley) of Hernando,
Mississippi, and DeMarcus Weakly of Florence, Alabama, Jeff
(Velvet) Cunningham, Cleveland, Ohio, Norman Anderson, Lima,
Ohio, and Deborah Kelly, Lima, Ohio; aunts, Bridget Hodges,
Elaine (Marion) Williams, Glyria Cunningham, Veronica
(Dwight) Throgmorton, all of Florence, Alabama and Ann White,
Madison, Alabama; uncles, Curtis (Lorene) Anderson, Orlando,
Florida, David (Joanna) Anderson, Sacramento, California,
Clifford (Vivian) Anderson, Algin (Helene) Anderson, both of
Florence, Alabama, Quintine (Zina) Anderson, Ocean Springs,
Mississippi, Chester (Dong) Smith, Madison, Alabama.
Although Akevia didn't have any biological children, he embraced
fatherhood and claimed multiple children. He had a very special
place in his heart, but not limited to Desarae and Maliyah Burrow,
Birmingham, Alabama, niece, Destiny Robinson, Galveston,
Texas and nephew, Kenyon (Anquanette) Jones, South Haven,
Mississippi; and a host of cousins, friends and mentees.

Transitory Service Rendered By: Grace Memorial Funeral Home- Sheffield, Alabama