William “Bill” Arthur Smith, Sr. was born July 2, 1931 in Columbia, SC to the late John Arthur Smith II and Virginia Lucile Harmon Smith. After graduating from Olympia High School, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and in 1952 he married Kathryn Juanita “Nita” Clamp. After his military service, he worked for ESSO in Florence, SC. In 1957, they moved back to West Columbia where he retired from Delta Airlines after 30 years. You could always find him outdoors sitting in the sun with a cold beer or piddling in his shop. He loved music and had been known to shake a tail feather. He enjoyed boating, fishing, playing cards and watching his Carolina Gamecocks. You may have even caught a glimpse of him riding through his community in his golf cart blasting his beach music and honking his horn. He loved to laugh and have a good time socializing with friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert H. Smith, Sr. of Murrells Inlet and wife of 56 years, Nita Smith. He is survived by sons, William “Bill” Smith, Jr. (Edith Jo) of Camden, Reedie Allan Smith of West Columbia and daughter, Kathryn Jill Smith of Columbia, along with numerous nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
A memorial service for Bill will be held on Saturday, November 19 at noon at Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 1201 Mohawk Drive in West Columbia. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy can be made in Bill’s honor to The Greater CWC Chamber, “Rhythm on the River Series”, 1006 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033. Bill would want to keep the music going!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Smith family.
