William was born on January 15, 1932, in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Wiley Small and Hattie French. William was the fourth born to this union. His siblings were Henry, Walter, Audreva, Mary, Virginia, Bertha, Willie, and Joseph. William received his formal education in Louisiana.

William met the love of his life, Dorothy Williams, in the neighborhood where they lived. Dorothy and William enjoyed one another and on August 28, 1950, at Dorothy's mother's home in Shreveport, LA, they were married. To this union, five children were born. Wanda and Alice were born in Shreveport, LA, and the family decided to relocate to Denver, Colorado in 1957, where William, Wayne, and Cheronda were born. His children remember all of the special moments they shared and the memories they continue to cherish. He was also the father of Stacey of Denver, and the grandfather of 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and two great-greats on the way. William helped support and raise all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

William worked for Boise Cascade for over 20 years until he was able to medically retire.

William loved watching soap operas, "All My Children", "General Hospital", and "One Life to Live." He also loved Westerns. He loved to be on the grill making some good ole' ribs and chicken.

William was good friends with Floyd "Smitty" Smith, the late Charlie Brown, Milton, Willie C., and his cousin-friend, Jay Williams! William was known for saying, "I pay the cost to be the boss." And "No Way Jose" - when asking him for things.

William was a loyal hard worker and a great provider. Before he stopped drinking, he, and his buddy, Smitty would sit at his bar or the back porch patio throwing back some drinks. William would have his Gin and Smitty would have his Scotch. They would sit and listen to music for hours, and he still got up at 6AM to go to work the next day!

William loved playing Dominoes, Cards: Poker, Bidwiz, and Spades, and fishing. He loved sitting on the back patio, waiting for anybody to come along so he could smash them in Dominoes.

William also loved the casino and he really loved going fishing with family & friends. During the last several months of his life, his children took care of him. "For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven; time to be born, and a time to die."

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Small; his son, William Small Jr.; his parents, Wiley Small and Hattie French; his siblings, Henry, Walter, Audreva, Mary, Virginia, Willie, and Joseph.

William Small, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories his children, Wanda, Alice, Stacey, Wayne, and Cheronda; his sister, Bertha Debrow; grandchildren, Kevin, Nicole, Lakisha, Brian, William, Yvonne, Joshua R., Tanya, Ashley, Joshua S., Davonte'; 17 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and two on the way; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.