William Smith

William 'Bill' Lee Smith passed away in his home November 10th, 2015 at 2:10 am. He was 69 years old. He had struggles with Thyroid Cancer, Colon Cancer and Heart Failure since February 2015.

Bill was born June 2nd 1946 in Rock Springs, WY to John and Amy Smith. He was raised as an old-fashioned cowboy helping his dad with training their horses and his uncles on their cattle ranches and dairy farms. He was his older brother, Johnny's, shadow and he took him everywhere with him even after he got married! They did something about every weekend, the whole family were avid outdoorsman.

He graduated from Jackson-Wilson High School in Jackson Hole, WY in 1965. He played sports and worked to help support his family when his dad got sick. He then attended Ricks College on a football scholarship in 1965 and 1966.

Bill joined the US Navy in January 1969 and was a member of the 'Sea Bees' MCB 121. He was stationed at Gulf Port, MS during Hurricane Camille and was part of the clean-up crew. Afterwards he trained at Camp Le Jeune. He was deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam and was part of the Alpha Company. He was in stationed in Da Nang when his first child was born and he became a father.

Alpha Company built many roads, one of which was the 'Route QL-1' being the main North/South Route. Alpha, Charlie, and Delta did emergency repair work on five bridges blown by the enemy. To deter the enemy, they modified Cooper, Nam-O, and Lang Co bridges by installing pier protection and security lighting. They completely built 3 bridges to help close the Vietnamese communications and supply gap. They graded and paved 15 miles of highway from Thanh Quit to Tu My, south of Da Nang. Also they connected a Leper Colony near Da Nang with the railroad to get supplies from outside world. Along with varied and scattered projects including hangars, ramps, and landing strips. Alpha Company along with Bravo and Charlie were tasked with constructing a retrograde facility to help the Marines being pulled out of Vietnam. They worked around the clock and the project was designed, constructed and occupied in less than eight weeks.

Bill was awarded; Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and CAR.

When he returned home he attended Utah State University and graduated with a Bachelors in Zoology in 1974. He worked for Yellow Stone Park as a Park Ranger and tracked grizzly bears on horseback. Afterwards he worked for USU at the Physical Plant as a carpenter. At Christmas time he made Sub-for-Santa Toys including wooden rocking horses, hobby horses, stick ducks and other wooden toys. Later he started a Contracting Business with his son, Nate. He retired in 2008, but helped many people with various construction jobs, built homes for his children, and was in the process of remodeling his own home with his wife when his health declined.

Bill was an active member of the LDS Church and held callings of all kinds including Scout Master, Young Men's Presidency, and High Priest Teacher. He loved the Savior and had a strong Testimony of the Gospel. He was always helping people, young and old. Everyone loved to be around him because of his personality and his ability to make people laugh. He was devoted to helping his youngest son, Cody with his life-long illness of Kidney Failure. He faithfully administered Dialysis daily for over a year before Cody received a Kidney Transplant. He was devastated when the kidney failed 2 years later and had to go back on Dialysis. Cody is currently awaiting a new kidney.

Throughout the years he coached 'Junior Jazz' basketball for boys and girls along with other sports. He also refed church basketball. Up until March 2014 he played Basketball 3 days a week and could always win the game with his famous "hook shot". He was an avid outdoorsman, craftsman, and hunter. He was known for his cooking on fishing expeditions to Lake Powell, his Dutch-oven recipes, and his 'Camp-kitchen'. Along with many other family favorites like his mom's famous pancake recipe.

Bill was survived by his "beloved wife" Sherrie Smith to whom he was sealed in the Logan Temple. His brother's Craig Smith, John Smith and his sister Patsy High. Also by his children from his first wife; William 'Nate' Smith, Erika Lowder, Rachael Kleven, and Anjie Johnson. Along with the children of his late wife; Mikalie Smith, Brendan Smith and Cody Smith. And Sherrie's children; Cassie Welton, Crystal Lee, Luke Welton, Cyndee Santos, Clarisa Santos, and Joey Santos. He was the grandfather of 20 grandchildren with 2 more on the way and 1 great-grandchild.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Darla Olsen, his sister Shirley Joane Walker, his parents John and Amy Smith.

Bill will always remain with in our hearts as a ray of sunshine and love.