Bill E. Smith

Billie (Bill) Elijah Smith, devoted husband, brother, uncle and friend, was born January 4, 1928, and passed away March 11, 2025 of a heart condition. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Pat) Dill Smith, and his brother George H. Smith of Vestavia Hills. Bill was blessed with many nieces and nephews and their spouses, who held a special place in his heart, and all will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruby Horton and Leo Hobson Smith of Blount County, AL; sister Inez Hendrix of Trussville, and brothers Bob Smith of Oneonta, and Hobby Smith of Cleveland, AL.

Bill was born in 1928 in Blount County, AL. When his father was killed in an accident, Bill became the man of the house when he was only about 9 years old. Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and was stationed in New Mexico for 3 years as a Signalman. Upon returning to Alabama, he went to work at Stockham Valves in Birmingham. He worked there for 42 years beginning in the shop and ultimately working in special product engineering. He also studied at UAB.

Over his lifetime, Bill was a member of Cleveland Methodist Church, Woodlawn Methodist Church, Trussville United Methodist Church and All Saints United Methodist Church. He was highly esteemed and held many leadership positions in Cleveland and Trussville.

Bill will be remembered for his love and service to his church, community, family and friends. He loved to build with his hands, work in his yard, and was an accomplished perfectionist at all he did.

He won multiple Trussville Beautification Awards for his gardening abilities. He had the most precise and perfect engineering mind that could figure out how to build most anything you could need. He built an entire two-story garage on his own with no help other than pouring foundation. During his teen years, with only the help of his brother and cousin, he built an entire home for his widowed mother and all his siblings. His gifted abilities and skilled workmanship were also realized in many stained glass works of art that will be treasured and enjoyed by many for years to come. He was a reluctant traveler, but after going to many wonderful places he always enjoyed sharing his experiences with everyone. He meticulously made schedules to be followed to ensure everyone was on time.

A graveside burial service will be held with family and friends attending at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville on Monday, March 17th at 2:00 pm. Rev. David Teel and Rev. Daniel Chung Ho Lee presiding. Honorary Pallbearers are Les Riddle, Jim McKiney, Harold Fulton, and Herman Jordan (posthumous). Ridout's Funeral Home Directing, 205-655-2173.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for friends and family immediately after the graveside service at Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hall, 6110 Deerfoot Pkwy, Trussville.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association Alabama Chapter, 1 Metroplex Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209 OR All Saints United Methodist Church, Admin office, 7127 Gadsden Hwy, Suite 205, Trussville, AL 35173.