William Lee Smith, 85, of Gun Barrel City, Texas passed at his home surrounded by his family, Monday, March 27, 2023. He was born September 1, 1937 in Kaufman County, Texas to his late parents, Ransom S. Smith and Oneita Parsons Smith.
William was named after his grandfather and always preferred to be called William. He joined the National Guard after graduating Kemp High School in 1958 and while serving he was called to active service in October 1961 where he started as a tanker but moved to cooking. He kept his joy and experience in cooking especially during the holidays, where he was famous for his turkey and dressing and chicken and dumplings. He married the love of his life Betty McGlaun, October 23, 1961 and they have been married for 61 years. He started working for Sears Catalog in 1958 and retired from Sears Catalog in 1992 as a supervisor. William enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, but mostly he enjoyed coaching and cheering on his children. He coached in the Special Olympics and started a Christian slow pitch softball league. William loved his church and was an ordained Deacon at the Legendary Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City. He also enjoyed doing mission trips and RA Camps with the youth.
William is survived by his wife Betty, children; David Lee Smith, Mikeal D. Smith, Lisa Annette Muirhead and her husband Greg, grandchildren; Corey Guthrie, Desiree Smith, Jonathan Smith, Michael Smith, great grandchildren; Braeden Guthrie, Dominick Smith–Wheeler, Carter Smith, Damon Smith, brothers; Harold Smith and his wife Mollie, Jimmy Smith and his wife Kathryn, James Smith and his wife Nancy and his brother in law; Garry McGlaun and his wife Margaret. In addition to his parents William is pre deceased by his brothers; Oddie "Sonny", Bobby, and Ronnie Smith and his daughter in law Melissa Smith.
His visitation will be Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at the Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home, 601 State Hwy 198, Mabank, TX 75147. His Celebration of Life will follow at Eubank’s at 2:00PM and burial at The Oaklawn Cemetery in Mabank.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Legendary Baptist Church or Mabank Special Olympics, PO Box 122, Mabank, Texas.
