BLYTHEWOOD – On Sept.18, 2014, William Lee “Bill” Smith, age 76, passed away at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, S.C., after a six-year battle with a lung disease. He was surrounded by his family who supported him throughout his illness.
Bill Smith was born in Winnsboro, S.C., on March 16, 1938, to Robert Samuel and Ailene Andrews Smith. He was raised in Winnsboro Mills among some good neighbors, where he made life-long friends. Some of his best days and memories were from this close-knit community. He attended Everett Elementary School, Mount Zion, Greenbrier, and graduated in 1956 from Camden Military Academy. From 1956 – 1960, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Two years were spent in Japan as a welder with the 56th Air Reconnaissance Squadron. Bill retired from Wal-Mart in 2001 as a truck driver.
Bill lived life his way. He loved outdoor life – hunting, fishing, boating and football. This time of year was his favorite, with deer hunting and Gamecock football.
Bill was predeceased in death by his parents, grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, an adored nephew, Steve “Stevie” Smith, and a special friend, Robert Merritt.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jean Oliver Smith; one daughter, Sonya Murphy and husband, Mike; one son, Bryan Smith and wife, Dodi; one beloved grandson, Billy Smith, of Winnsboro, S.C., and his loyal and faithful canine companion, Tee. Bill is also survived by his brothers, Bobby R. Smith (Deane), Barney C. Smith (Diane) of Winnsboro, S.C.; sister, Peggy S. Barnum (Jim) of Beebe, Arkansas; nephews, Joey Smith (Liz), Jamie Barnum (Julie); nieces, DeeDee Smith Wilkes (Leslie), Crystal Berry Smith, Leslie Barnum Owens, Beth Douglas Bonds (Brian), Baetti Smith Branham (Brady) and Brittni Smith; great nephews, Christopher Smith, Adam Smith, Jason Wilkes, Brady Owens, Holden Cates, Triston Barnum, Berry Bonds, Charlie Bonds; great nieces, Courtland Smith, Paige Barnum, Madison Barnum, Lainie Driver, Harper Branham and Hayden Branham.
He is also survived by his dearest friend, Fred Hall (Nancy) of Elberton, Ga.
A celebration of the life of William Lee “Bill” Smith was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at Christ Central Community Church, 135 S. Congress St., Winnsboro, S.C., 29180, conducted by Jimmy Burroughs. Visitation with the family immediately followed the service at Mission Ridge, 600 S. Congress St., Winnsboro, S.C. A formal Military Burial was held on Monday at 10 a.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, S.C., 29229. Pallbearers were Joey Smith, Adam Smith, Christopher Smith, Leslie Wilkes, James Hall, Bobby Bankhead, Josh Knode and Mike Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers are Fred Hall, Furman White, Fuzzy Lemmon, Steve Beasley, Bill Cogdill, Ben Haynes and John Holmes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Central Community Church, St. Jude or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Every Breath is Precious.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Smith family.
Online condolences can be sent to the Smith family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.
