Hollywood Actor, Will Smith's dad dies

'You truly were one of a kind': Will Smith's father Willard Carroll Smith Sr dies... as actor's ex-wife Sheree Fletcher pays touching tribute

Courtesy of: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3915844/Will-Smith-s-father-Willard-Smith-Sr-dies-actor-s-ex-wife-Sheree-Fletcher-pays-touching-tribute-Daddio.html#ixzz4PRmTGfnp 

Will Smith's father Willard Carroll Smith Sr has died.

The 48-year-old actor's ex-wife Sheree Fletcher - who he was married to from 1992 to 1995 - confirmed the passing of Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., on Monday.

Posting a picture of Will and his father along with Will and Sheree's son Trey, 23, she paid a touching tribute, while Will is yet to confirm the news himself.

She wrote on Instagram: 'We're gonna miss you Daddio! 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!'

The picture shows Hollywood actor Will on the right of his father, and 23-year-old Try in the middle. 

Will also has two children Jaden, 18, and Willow, 16, with his second wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Willard was a refrigeration engineer and a former member of the US Air Force. 

In the book Will Smith: A Biography, it claims Will's dad put him off doing drugs when he was younger by driving him to tough neighbourhoods in Philadelphia to show him what it was like for people on such substances.

On the fear of his father if he ever took drugs, he is quoted as saying: 'I felt my father would kill me. Literally.' 

Will has also previously praised his dad as a 'steady and positive figure' in his life. He once said: 'Dad was tough but not tyrannical. 

'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.'