Bill Rogers Smallwood Sr.

Bill Rogers Smallwood, Sr., 84, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, July 19, 2020 after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary L. Smallwood; their children, Joy E. Kilgore, Bill R. Smallwood, Jr., and Mary Bethel Smallwood; grandchildren, Rachel M. Tilton (Chris), Amy R. Robinson (Lank Stone), David I. Smallwood, Elizabeth A. Kilgore and Michael H. Kilgore, Jr.; and great grandchildren, Caleb M. Robinson, Christopher M. Tilton and Hannah R. Tilton; and by his sister, Rachel F. Denmark.

He was born March 29, 1936 in Gulf Hammock, Florida and is preceded in death by his parents, Lucius P. Smallwood and Bethel E. Smallwood; sisters, Vivian M. Mulkey, Wilma S. Gallagher and Irmise Lathrop; brothers, R. Parks Smallwood, Z. Vincent Smallwood, Sr., Kenneth Smallwood, Patrick Smallwood, Burland Smallwood, Leonard Smallwood; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill held many positions in his lifetime, beginning in 1954 in the grocery business where he started as a stock clerk and went on to supervise 14 stores in the central Florida area, and finally, purchased his own store in Leesburg, Florida. Due to the educational needs of their handicapped daughter, they moved to Jacksonville in 1970 and he started working for a large automotive dealership where he moved from sales to management positions. In 1974, he joined an office machine business where he helped them grow from a small three-man operation to a multi-million dollar business. Then, in 1984, Bill and Mary, along with their partner Lillian Garcia, created the Florida Association for the Deaf/Bling and Multi-handicapped, Inc. which grew to two assisted living homes servicing ten clients. Bill retired in 1988 due to a back injury. However, he never truly retired…as he was fond of saying, “I was born with a fire in my belly and a dream in my heart.” He was always willing to assist others to accomplish their dreams and helped start many businesses including a cabinet shop, a carpet store, an internet and long-distance phone service provider to name a few.

Over the past 30 years Bill worked as a consultant and developed a network of friends and business associates that span the globe. He travelled many times to Africa and worked with ministers there to raise funds for their work. Bill had a huge heart for people, and a remarkable way of building relational bridges. Although he would say he was very dogmatic, he could empathize with any individual’s situation or need. He did not know the meaning of the word “can’t” and took all obstacles on headfirst --- countless times, he could be heard saying, “Do you know the 10 most important words?” Then he would count out on his fingers, “If it is to be, it is up to me!”

Dad’s proudest accomplishment was his family. We were blessed with a most loving and caring family, anchored in our faith in God and mutual respect, love and honor for one another. He loved life and loved bringing people together. A dear friend he met while in Belgium told us that the way he met Dad was in a large hotel lobby where he saw a light beaming down and followed it to where Dad was sitting. He said he saw the glow of the Holy Spirit on him. That was Bill, you knew where he stood at all times, in any situation. His word was his bond and his heart always open and on display for all to see.

Memorial Celebration Services will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 4:00pm at Freedom Christian Fellowship A/G, 3423 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32223. Family is welcome to come at 3:00pm to visit prior to the memorial service.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.