William James Smith

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William James Smith

November 14, 1936 ~ August 3, 2021

William (Bill) James Smith passed away peacefully in his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 3, 2021, at the age of 84.  

Bill was born November 14, 1936, to Ralph W. Smith and Helen Novacek in Custer, South Dakota.  Bill grew up with sisters Jean and Andy and brothers Carl and Tom.  After several moves, Bill’s family eventually settled in Greeley, Colorado.  He graduated from College High School in 1955, where he participated in football, wrestling and tennis.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial arts from Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado).  Bill was married to his sweetheart, Annabelle Smith, for 57 years.

Bill served in the National Guard and taught industrial arts to junior high school students.  He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and woodworking.  He was a skilled wood carver and created many amazing sculptures.  He endured many surgeries throughout his life as a result of a brain tumor discovered in 1973.  He defied doctors’ expectations and lived over 40 years longer than expected.  He was a dedicated Catholic and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ann; sons James (Merri) Smith, Kendall (Kym) Smith, and daughter Anna (Dave) Smith; as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen, and his sister, Andy Smith.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on August 13, 2021, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Bill was laid to rest immediately following the service at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations be made to either a favorite charity or the capital campaign for the St. Thomas More Parish.