October 16, 1930 – July 4, 2022
William Joseph “Bill” Smith, 91, Sheridan, passed away surrounded by his loving family and caregivers on Monday afternoon, July 4, 2022, at Wellbrooke of Westfield. Born on October 16, 1930, in Greentown, Ind., he was the son of the late William Oliver and Fern Leota (Garrett) Smith.
Bill 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, 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. Bill 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. Bill 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. Bill 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 Bill made sure he had a bowl every night.
Bill 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. Bill 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 Bill’s life than his family. He loved following his grandchildren’s activities and sports. His inside jokes, especially wrapping gifts with the funny pages, will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of receiving one.
Bill is survived by 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 Gay Binder (Greg) of Carmel, and Valerie D. Kyle (Jim) of Lebanon; 10 grandchildren, Kyle Binder, Brittany Binder, Ashley Binder, Stacy Binder, Kandise Kyle-Ross (Jacob), Austin Kyle (Maddie), Brett Kyle, Connor Kyle (Brittney), 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. She and Bill were married on December 31, 1950.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan, with Visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Kempton Cemetery in Kempton, Ind. Bill’s son-in-law, Pastor Jim Kyle will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be presented to the Challengers Class to be used for missions.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com