William A Smith

William Arthur Smith, 83, of Parkersburg, WV, passed away on November 18, 2023, surrounded by his family at Ohio Valley Health Care. Born November 8, 1940, William went by Bill, though he was also affectionately known as and called Willie, Wild Bill, and during his time at the plant, Fireball. A proud veteran, Bill served in the United States Army from September 9, 1960 to September 6, 1963 and was stationed in Munich, Germany for much of that duration. While in service to his country, he married the love of his life, Karen (Greathouse) Smith, on June 10, 1962.

After leaving the Service, Bill went on to work at Viscose in Parkersburg, which later closed and then moved on to Marbon, which was later bought by Borg Warner, which was then purchased by GE, from which he retired.

In his retirement, Bill loved spending time with his grandchildren, and especially driving them to school and sporting events. Anytime he took his grandchildren to any type of function, he always made sure to have them there at least half an hour early. He was a stickler for punctuality to say the least. Amongst spending time with his grandchildren, his other life-long passions included hunting and fishing, and also bragging on his daughters and grandchildren to anyone who would listen, especially the neighbors who could hear his booming voice from the front porch.

Bill was saved and baptized on September 25, 2022 with his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Dean.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Frances Smith, his in-laws, William and Erma Greathouse, his sister Kaye Carnes and brother James, who passed away at birth.

He is survived by his wife, Karen (Greathouse) Smith, his daughters Robin (Timm) Utt, Lisa (Dean) Hays, and Tara (Nate) Newbanks, and his grandchildren, Nicole (Tayla) Kemp-Hays, Brooks (Abby Campbell) Utt, Ashleigh Utt, Landon Utt, and Kiley Goldsmith. Bill has a great-granddaughter due in December, Baby Kemp-Hays. He is also survived by his brothers, Mike and Jerry Smith, and his sisters Darlene ‘Gaye’ Cossetti, Susan Elmore Kinder, and Patricia Gilbert. He is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loyal, four-legged, canine companion, Benji.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kim Stooke and the staff at Ohio Valley Health Care, and especially his friend, Annie, for the wonderful care he received while he was there.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House, or the Parkersburg Humane Society.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday November 22, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 5 PM to 8 PM Tuesday November 21, 2023 at the funeral home with a one hour visitation prior to the service on Wednesday.

An online guestbook for condolences is available at www.sunsetparkersburg.com.

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is honored to assist the Smith family.