William Garrison Smith

William Garrison Smith, Jr., decorated veteran, businessman, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on July 16, 2024 at the age of 80. He was a generous man of God and a tribute to mankind. He will be missed greatly.

Bill graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1967. He served in the US Army as 1st Lieutenant. Bill served with distinction during the Vietnam Conflict as a Military advisor embedded with South Vietnamese soldiers (MACV). For his valorous actions in combat he was awarded Bronze stars on two occasions. During his service he also earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendations Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two overseas service bars and was a graduate of the United States Army Special Warfare School. Bill was proud of his military service and was rarely seen in recent years without his Army hat.

Bill loved the outdoors and spent much of his time appreciating it with his family. He loved gardening, fishing with his dear children Drew and Anna Claire, hunting, and spending time in the woods with his beloved dog, Bo. He was calm, soft-spoken, and deliberate; always reliable and spoke from his heart. In a crisis, there was no better man to rely upon. He projected calm and security to those around him. He was a builder: both with his hands and actions, nurturing the ones he loved with strength and affection throughout his life. His love of music and joyous attitude never failed to bring a smile to the room. He was fiercely intelligent, harbored a vast array of knowledge which he gladly shared with anyone, and helped mentor many young men to their own successes. Bill was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, and human being. He leaves a legacy of love, generosity and compassion for his family and all those who knew him. He was a “good and faithful servant” and a long-time member of Matthews United Methodist Church in Matthews, North Carolina. He is dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Hodge Smith; cherished by his children Andrew (Elizabeth), Anna Claire (Kenny) and step-daughter, Ami; grandchildren Magnolia, Kennedy, Wyatt, Ellie, Abigail, Tristan, Payton, MacKenzie, and Tanner; his sister Carolyn, nephew Steve, (Kay); grand niece Zoé (David); as well as many other relatives and friends.

Services will be conducted on July 27, 2024, at Matthews Methodist Church in Matthews, NC, with Pastor Chuck Wilson officiating. Visitation from 11:00-12:00, followed by a celebration of life from 12:00-12:45. Burial at Sharon Memorial Park on Monroe Road at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements in the care of McEwen Funeral Services: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/north-carolina/charlotte/mcewen-funeral-service-at-sharon-memorial-park/4704.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. https://chsnc.org/ or Matthews United Methodist Church https://matthewsumc.org/.

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