William "Wild Bill" Silva Smith

Born March 23, 1950 in Peoria to Irvin Charles and Sarah Kathleen (Covy) Smith, he married Jeannie Maquet on September 5, 1970 in Pekin. They later divorced. He then married Julie Boyer on September 25, 2005 in Groveland. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Ericka (Wess) Fick of Mapleton; one son, Adam (Betsy) Smith of Pekin; three step-children, Rodney (Dawn) Keyes of Nashville, Tennessee, Christopher (Auree) Keyes of East Peoria and Keri (Kevin) Widner of Washburn; two grandchildren, Andries and Alanza Fick; four step-grandchildren, Kaity Keyes, Jessica, Ellyna and Eden Widner and one sister, Debbie (Les) Calhoun of East Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Drew Daniel and two sisters, Shirley Barnes and Janet Fahy.

Bill owned and operated Smi-Trex in Pekin for 45 years, he also worked as an operating engineer out of International Union of Operating Engineer’s Local 649 in Peoria, retiring in 2016.

A loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, Bill thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing and riding horses. Bill was a gifted handyman, who enjoyed helping at his church.

Bill was a faithful member of Pekin Bible Church.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Pekin Bible Church. Pastor Chad Nightingale will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Pekin Bible Church, 2405 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com