William "Bill" Earl Smith

William Earl Smith (“call me Bill”) was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan September 29, 1929 (“9/29/29: a full house”). He was the youngest of four children: Clifford, Margaret and Bette each of them five years apart in age.

Bill was a good athlete and very popular at Grand Rapids Central High School. A newspaper article cites his city record in the high jump. He was also Master of Ceremonies for the High School talent show and continued to host reunions and other church and community events. He was very sociable, made friends quickly, everywhere he went he knew someone and had the most contagious laugh.  He was also a great listener.

After working early on at the gas company and then selling cars, he made his successful career as an industrial sales manager, including the interestingly named: Grand Rapids Forging and Steel and GK Stamp and Die.  But mostly, Bill loved his wife, his family and his church. He has been truly and wonderfully devoted to Judy, from their engagement “in a coat closet” at Michigan State University through her untimely passing in 2012 and every day since. An inspirational love affair.

Bill’s children - Scott (Lois), Dave (Sandra), Suzan and Sarah (Al) all benefitted from his fun and loving, but not undisciplined parenting which matured into beautiful adult friendships.  Park Church was very important to Bill and Judy and the family. Married in Thompson Chapel in 1952 they were active in Park Partners among other groups and activities. On his wall in his Montana apartment, among his treasured family photos was a plaque from Park: 

For your gentleness that brought out our best, your humor that lubricated….Park Church has been touched by your leadership as Moderator.

And, oh, did he love on his grandkids: Tarah, Sadie, Samantha, Sydney, Justin and Steve and his great grands: Kate, Hannah, Samuel and Alexandra.  His many friends will share with our family in some grief that he is no longer physically among us, but easily rejoice in so many great memories, the inspiration of how dad lived his life, and in his heavenly reunion with his Lord and with Judy, his beloved.  

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a reception following in the funeral home's community room. 

An additional memorial service will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Park Church, 10 E. Park Place NE., Grand Rapids, MI.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., services at 11:00 a.m. with fellowship and refreshments to follow.

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