** Sunrise: January 15, 1953 **
** Sunset: June 18, 2015 **
Bill was born in Eunice, Louisiana and was a long-time resident of Sugar Land, as well as Corpus Christi. Bill is survived by his best friend and wife of thirty-one years, Jovita Lopez Smith. He is also survived by his son, Christopher, and daughter, Jessie (Jason) Tschoepe, his “second mother”, Hazel, two brothers, Bruce (Donna) and Mark, sister, Nelda (Tony) Stapp and many nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Gladys Smith, and sister, Sophie Adams.
Bill enjoyed life! He had a gift of telling jokes and performing magic tricks. Bill was also very clever; who else could turn a boat trolling motor into a cooling fan during Hurricane Rita. It’s no wonder he was referred to as “MacGyver”. It was not uncommon for Bill to take a day-trip to Austin’s Salt Lick Bar-B-Q or even to Hemphill’s BBQ for his beloved ribs. Bill loved his ribs and appreciated the adventure. And yet there was a more serious side of Bill, he was a history buff and frequently visited Civil War battlefields.
After forty years in the security/alarm business, Bill was able to retire at the age of fifty-seven. He was an avid bass fisherman and especially enjoyed fishing at Toledo Bend Reservoir. He with his close friends and family built a rustic “fish camp” out of a simple sheet metal building. The annual fishing expeditions have been a tradition and highlight for years. Bill would certainly expect his elite group -- also known as the “FLF” -- to continue this tradition and fellowship.
He touched the lives of many with his quirky smile and charm. Even after being diagnosed with glioblastoma (which is considered one of the deadliest of human cancers), Bill fought for a year and a half with dignity. At times, he used magic tricks with the doctors and nurses to ease the challenge of the “battle”. He had a giving heart and gentle soul. But the thing that Bill will be remembered most will be for his amazing sense of humor and playful spirit.
Jovita would like to thank the staff at Mischer Neuroscience Institute, Memorial Hermann Memorial City, Memorial Hermann Rehab Hospital in Katy, The Crescent and St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Thank you Jean (Memorial Hermann Cancer Center) for being there for Bill during his chemo treatments.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. The service will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Corpus Christi, Texas. A reception will immediately follow at the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to: https://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/bill-smith.
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