In Loving Memory of
William (Bill) Smith
October 13, 1949 – December 13, 2020
Virtual Memorial Service was held December 30, 2020 at 8:00 PM EST
On December 13, 2020 William (Bill) Smith left this realm headed to the worm hole (his words) on to his new journey.
Bill was recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, received treatment, but sadly succumbed to the disease quickly. Bill proudly served in the Navy for 20+ years and loved this great country. Those that knew him well, best described him as an honorable, decent and loving man. Bill loved life, but most especially his family, fishing, live music and his newfound retirement – lifestyle in Florida. After moving to Florida in 2018, Bill would actively search for the best fishing spots. One day while chauffeuring a 90 yr. old client of Patty’s to a doctor’s appointment she mentioned a secret fishing hole. Of course, Bill checked it out, and discovered a fisherman’s dream. This small lake delivered hundreds, if not thousands, of catches for him & his fishing bud Rick Thompson. Bill considered fishing his church, his happy place, a place where he would peacefully ponder the wonders of life and have talks with God. Bill’s advice to us all is to find that happy place!
He is survived by his wife Patty (Hamilton), loving children Scott (Jennifer) Smith, Erica (Matt) Shaw and Step-Son, Jeremy (JP) Holmes. Grandchildren, Laurel & Zach Smith & Morgan Shaw. Loving sisters Linda (Frank) Rotella and Dorothy (Ed) Grimes.
Bill was dearly loved by his parent’s in-law Bob & Joan Hamilton and their 12 children Chris, Sandy (Larry), Mike (Nancy), Mark (Robin), Rob, Jim (Mary), Joe (Kathy), Jerry (Joyce), Jackie, Maria, Richard and many, many nieces and nephews who called him Uncle Bill or Uncle Bubba. He was preceded in death by his parents James Smith, Pauline Graham Smith Kirkpatrick, Kirk Kirkpatrick and his beloved brother in laws Dan Mier and Larry Blackwood.
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I’m so sorry to hear about Bill. Candy, Bill and I were best friends at Sandberg Phoenix and von Gontard for almost 20 years. We enjoyed lunch together, walks and great conversation. Even one year we won a contest as a group of losing the most body fat with hard work of exercising together and at our homes. I have so many wonderful memories I will treasure forever and Bill will always have a special place in my heart. Bill always spoke sweet words about his Patty and family. We truly were blessed to have Bill in our lives. Rebecca Brawley
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I can’t help but think about him fishing with Mawmaw! I love and miss you Uncle Bubba ❤️ you were always so dear to me and your love and concern for Andy will never go unnoticed. Rest in peace my sweet uncle!
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John and I are very sorry for the loss of your husband Bill. From his obituary it showed he was a loving husband, loved his family and life to fullest. May he Rest In Peace!?
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I love you my dear brother and will miss you so much. I know you are having the best fishing with mom again. May you fish in peace.