William Jerry Smith, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away on July 4, 2011, just six days before his 86th birthday. He left behind his greatest assets - his wife Anne Taylor Smith, his five children and their spouses, William Charles (Chuck) Smith and Tracie, Janet Smith Burleson and Ray, Carl Andrew (Andy) Smith and Dorothy, Millicent Smith Davis and Kamm, and Stephanie Anne Smith. He also has eleven grandchildren, April Burleson McTaggart, Loren Burleson, Bethany Smith Shipley, Elise Smith Ingle, Hannah, Grace, Isaac, Caleb and Roma Smith, Kylie and Kassidy Davis and four great-grandchildren Aidyn, Mark, John, and Lily. He has one surviving sister, Pauline Smith Rich, and was pre-deceased by his parents, Carl Smith Sr and Reva McMahan Smith, and three siblings, Katherine, Carl Jr (Buster) and Opal.
Bill left high school after 10th grade to serve in the Civilian Conservation Camps and then enlisted in the Army at age 17. With his parents' permission, he served during World War II in the South Pacific as a Military Policeman attached to the Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in Protective Services at Oteen VA Hospital (Asheville), where he was affectionately known as "Smitty", until 1975, retiring after 32 years of service at age 50.
He was a dedicated NASCAR and Atlanta Braves fan. He played Industrial League baseball for 12 years, known for his outstanding play at first base and slugging ability. After retiring from baseball, he took up golf and easily maintained an 8 handicap. He started fishing in the Big Ivy basin hole when he was a boy, expanding to saltwater fishing in his adulthood. He was an avid king mackerel fisherman and never missed a season, the last ten fishing from his wheelchair.
He was devoted to his family and children, spending countless hours teaching them the practical lessons of life - how to plant a garden, how to be honest, the value of hard work and to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He believed that families will be together forever. We will miss you, Sweetheart, Brother Bill, Daddy, Grandpa, Papa.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 9, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 400 Farrs Bridge Rd. in Greenville at 11:00 am. There will be a visitation on Friday July 8, 2011 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Graceland Mortuary.