William Arthur Smith

Died peacefully at home on May 29, 2014. A native Texan, Mr. Smith started his career as a draftsman for CECO Steel in Houston, Texas. He headed west to California during the Great Depression. As a young employee of CECO, Mr. Smith worked on several historic projects: the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia river in Oregon. Mr. Smith rose through the management of the company until his retirement in Chevy Chase, Maryland. A serpentine wall separated his home from that of his son's family. The grandchildren often hopped over the wall for a visit. An elegant gentleman, Mr. Smith was revered for his gentle personality and represented the best of what is known as the Greatest Generation. He loved cars, especially his 1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible which had been driven by President Lyndon Johnson at Camp David. An avid golfer, he was a member of Congressional Country Club and his love of the game inspired other family members to play. Even in his 80's and 90's, he followed tournament golf on television. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Loraine Covington Smith, his son, Robert William Smith, his twin, Wilbur Oscar Smith, his brother, Cooksey Smith, sister, Inez Smith and two other siblings. He is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Martha Melinda Smith; his daughter-in-law, Patricia Powell Smith; his grandchildren, Sibyl Smith Curtis, Ida Smith Ludlow, William Arthur Smith II, Luke Powell Smith and Covington Smith Campbell; and 14 great- grandchildren. The family will hold a private graveside ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery to celebrate a long life well lived and a man much loved.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.