William Bill Wimp Smyth

Bill grew up in Lufkin, TX where he graduated from Lufkin High School in 1948. He went to Baylor University in Waco, TX on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a BBA in 1952. He then volunteered for the Air Force during the Korean War in 1952 and received the National Defense Medal and successfully completed officer’s training at Lackland Air Force Base. Bill also completed radio officer’s school, rose to 1st Lieutenant, and was honorably discharged in 1954 at the end of the Korean War.

He began working for Rexall Drugs, which soon led to a long career on the cutting edge of the computer age, working for UNIVAC, U.C.C. and Data Point in San Antonio.

After retiring from the computer industry, he took a position with Frost Oil Company working for Ben Patterson, who soon became more of a brother than a boss, overseeing the Hackberry Ranch. This was a true passion for him, as he loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and enjoying the beauty of God’s creatures.

Following this chapter in his life, Bill spent 10 years working for an international evangelist, Sammy Tippit, managing his business and then later traveling to the Far East and European countries sharing God’s love and message for His people.

He ultimately retired to Horseshoe Bay, spending time hunting, fishing, and enjoying grandbabies.

Bill and Frances Smyth were married on Christmas Day in 1952 in Uvalde, TX and were happily married for over 60 years. Bill was most recently a member of First Baptist Church in Marble Falls but over the years, he and Frances were members of multiple church families where he served as a deacon, elder, teacher and mentor. He was admired and loved by all who knew him. He was a man of God, who never waivered, a testimony to all he encountered. His love for God was obvious and endless. He was funny, kind, witty, smart, loving, giving and a blessing to all. He loved to write poetry and always made God the center of his message. His poems are many and will be cherished. He will be missed! He is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Wimp and Wayne Wimp.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Smyth of Horseshoe Bay, TX, sister, Pat Brazil of Lufkin, TX, sons, Jeff Smyth & wife Malissa of San Antonio, TX and Paul Smyth & wife Pat of Colleyville, TX and his daughter, Melissa White & husband Ed of Georgetown, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew White, Rachel Unclebach, Ashton Smyth,Eric Smyth, Tiffany Middlebrooks, Nathan Smyth and Lauren Smyth and his great grandchildren, Payton Rowland, Jackson White, Aiden Unclebach, Jacob White and Cameron Unclebach.

Funeral service will be Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church with Pastor Ross and Ken Harp officiating. Interment will be Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 1:30 PM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Paul Smyth, Eric Smyth, Jeff Smyth, Nathan Smyth, Ed White, Matt White, Allen Tucker and Tray Middlebrooks.