William Walter (Bill) Smith, Jr. passed from this earthly life surrounded by his family on December 7, 2023.
Bill was born to Ruth Rice Weaver on May 31, 1942, at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, New York. He was educated at St. Paul’s School, Norwich High School, and Northeast Louisiana University. The Norwich Fire Department was especially dear to him as he served as a firefighter and medic. He later served on the volunteer fire department in Tullos, Louisiana.
Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. He was a nuclear ammunition specialist. His service was in Vietnam and Germany. He had a long career in offshore oil production as a foreman working in the Gulf of Mexico.
While serving in the Air Force, he met Martha Huffman, the love of his life, and married. Their union produced three daughters. He loved to travel especially to his home in New York state to visit family. His hobbies were traveling, breeding and showing champion wire fox terriers, and cooking. He was active in the Wire Fox Terrier Club of America (former member of board of governors) and Central States Wire Fox Terrier Club. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joys of his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years Martha Huffman Smith; his parents, Gerald and Ruth Weaver; brother, Michael Weaver; grandson, Hart DeVille; great-grandchildren, Tristan Boyd, Noah Newsom, and Emily Katherine Newsom; and lifelong family best friend Mike Kane.
He is survived by his daughters Karen Smith Newsom (Keith), Rebecca Helton (Robert), and Shelly DeVille (Brent); grandchildren Karley Broussard (Connor), Kyra DeVille, Kramer Newsom (Lauren), and Eli DeVille; great grandchildren Charli DeVille, Lexi Boyd, Knox Newsom, Denton Broussard, and Baker Broussard.
No memorial service is planned at this time, but a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels for Towers, to Armed Services YMCA, 14040 Central Loop, Suite B, Woodbridge, VA 22193 or online at ASYMCA.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
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