William Smith

Bill enjoyed cooking and participating in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s sport events and other community events they were involved in.

He worked for General Electric, E & J Gallo Winery and as a school bus driver for the Merced Union High School District.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. William and Mrs. Inez Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Catherine and his adult children, Ray (Tina), Josef (Rochelle), Cynthia Russell (Bill), Ryan, Marla Sheppard (Dwight), Geoffrey (Lola), David (Kathy), Stewart, Stanley (Nellie), Steven (LaDenta), Wallace. He was Papa to 37 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and to young people he met along the way.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday, February 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Life Center, 650 East Olive Avenue Merced, CA. Mr. Smith will be laid to rest in Santa Nella at a later date. The burial is private.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.