William Joseph ‘Bill’ Smith
October 16, 1930 – July 4, 2022
William Joseph ‘Bill’ Smith, age 91, of Sheridan, passed away surrounded by his loving family and caregivers on Monday afternoon, July 4, 2022, at Wellbrooke of Westfield.
He was born on October 16, 1930 in Greentown, Indiana, son of the late William Oliver and Fern Leota (Garrett) Smith.
Mr. Smith was a 1949 graduate of Greentown High School and later International Business College in Ft. Wayne. Putting his education to work, he hired on with Biddle Manufacturing in Sheridan, Indiana, retiring after 40 years of dedicated service as an account and human resources manager.
He was a 65-year member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, where he was a faithful attendant of the Challengers Sunday School Class. Mr. Smith was also a 50-year member and Past Exalted Leader of the Tipton Elks Club.
Though he had many interests, sports and food were always near the top of the list. He enjoyed watching Colts and Pacers games, but when it came to Purdue basketball, things got a little more serious. Game time was also an excellent opportunity for snacking. Mr. Smith was both a chocolate connoisseur, and an extremely accomplished (self-taught) ice cream eater. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to ice cream consumption… so he made sure he had a bowl every night.
Mr. Smith enjoyed spending time at home, doing yard work and picking up sticks around his property, but he did venture out from time to time. He enjoyed searching for Greentown Glass and new (old) coins to add to his growing collection. However, his most memorable excursion was his visit to Israel; he felt proud and truly blessed to be able to make the trip. Mr. Smith was also an avid reader. He always enjoyed a good book, but comic strips were a close second. His go-to was always Peanuts, with Snoopy being his favorite character of the gang.
There was nothing more important in his life than his family. Mr. Smith loved following his grandchildren’s activities and sports. His inside jokes, especially wrapping gifts with the funnypages, will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of receiving one.
Survivors include two sons Leslie J. Smith and Craig G. Smith, both of Sheridan; four daughters Melody L. Smith of Sheridan, Brenda L. Smith of Carmel, Cindy (Greg) Gay Binder of Carmel and Valerie (Jim) D. Kyle of Lebanon; 10 grandchildren Kyle Binder, Brittany Binder, Ashley Binder, Stacy Binder, Kandise (Jacob) Kyle-Ross, Austin (Maddie) Kyle, Brett Kyle, Connor (Brittney) Kyle, Chris Mourey and Holden Henderson; four great grandchildren Eli Ross, Kennedy Ross, Maverie Mason Kyle and Lucas Mani; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Oliver and Fern Leota (Garrett) Smith; nine brothers and sisters; and by his loving wife, Norma Lee (Owens) Smith on March 8, 2011. The couple were married on December 31, 1950.
Services are scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd Street, Sheridan, Indiana, with Visitation scheduled to run from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Kempton Cemetery in Kempton, Indiana. Mr. Smith’s son-in-law, Pastor Jim Kyle will be officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be presented to the Challengers Class to be used for missions.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.