The Proteas controlled their ICC Cricket World Cup Group B clash right from the start, as ODI debutant Imran Tahir's figures of four for 41 meant the efforts of half-brothers Darren (73) and Dwayne Bravo (40) could not prevent the Windies from being all out for 222.
The total may well have been too much for Smith's players to chase as two quick wickets at the start - Hamish Amla (14) and Jacques Kallis (four) - left them rattled.
However, de Villiers took charge of the innings thereafter, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes, to not only lead his side to victory but also become the fastest World Cup centurion for South Africa.
"AB played incredibly well," said Smith, whose 45 off 78 balls was part of a 119-run third-wicket stand he shared with de Villiers.
"I think those things come with experience, to read situations. And today was one of those times. He played superbly well on a wicket that wasn't so free-scoring.
"It was an incredible knock to go faster than a run-a-ball and he controlled the game superbly for us, so all credit to him."
Man-of-the-match de Villiers himself was gushing over Pakistan-born leg-spinner Tahir who defied his inexperience at this level to peg back the Windies' middle order and also pick up the wickets of veterans Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
De Villiers said: "He's an amazing talent and it's great to have him in the side.
"It's amazing to see how composed and calm he was today for a debutant in a World Cup game so big ups to him and we'll definitely be sharing a drink tonight. He can have half the man-of-the-match award!"
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