William E. J. Smith

William “Bill” Everett James Smith, 82, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, with his family by his side. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 20, 1943, to William James and Ruth Hafer Smith, Bill's life was marked by service, humor, love, and a deep connection to family and friends. After graduating from Grosse Pointe South High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Army. He served proudly in the US Army Signal Corps, both in the United States and Germany, and was a dedicated member of the Bugle Corps and Color Guard. Bill's exemplary service during the Cuban Missile Crisis earned him the Meritorious Unit Award, and in Germany, he served with NATO forces. It was during his time in the Army that he met Frances Patton, and they were married for 17 years, raising two children, Kevin James Smith and Shannon Lea Smith. After his military service, Bill went on to study at Honeywell’s Computer Technician School, launching his career in technology. He worked as a Computer Technician for Honeywell and Texas Instruments and later spent many years at BAE Systems in New York. Bill retired from D&R Solutions in Endicott, NY, as a technical writer—a position he often described as his dream job. Twenty years ago, Bill married Shirley Osborne Smith, the love of his life. Together, they created a warm and joyful home, sharing their love of family, travel, and their cherished dog, Angus, who will miss him dearly. Bill was a man of many passions. He loved to travel, enjoyed animals, and had a wicked sense of humor that could brighten any room. Bill had a knack for finding the perfect gift for those he cared about, and he was known for his culinary skills, particularly his legendary BBQ, in which he took great pride. As much as he loved cooking for others, Bill was equally passionate about experiencing great food from all walks of life. Above all, Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a source of wisdom, laughter, and counsel to many who valued his intelligence, kindness, and humor. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William “Bill” and Ruth Smith, his brothers-in-law, Rai Suon and Paul McGowan. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Osborne; son, Kevin Smith; daughter, Shannon (Stephen) Lindridge; grandsons, Isaac Lindridge and Oren Lindridge; sister, Vernita (Smith) Suon; nephews, Greg (Sherry) Suon, David (Lori) Suon, Christopher (Leann) Suon; niece, Debbie Davidson and her partner Belinda “B” Jones; brothers-in-law, Richard (Cindy) Osborne, Harry (Linda) Osborne, and Gary (Linda) Osborne; sisters-in-law, Sandy (Joe) Varsik and Sue McGowan; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and his special friend, Kaylee Sue Walker. A memorial service will be held at the Franklin Hill Church, 400 Franklin Hill Road, Hallstead, PA 18822 at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 11, 2025. A bereavement luncheon will immediately follow the service at the Community Hall next door to the church. Everyone is welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the True Friends Animal Welfare Shelter, 16332 SR706, Montrose, PA 18801 or to Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church, 400 Franklin Hill Road, Hallstead, PA 18822.

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William E. J. Smith

April 20, 1943 - September 21, 2025