William 'Bill' James Smith

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.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing on Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 East Creek Road in Cottonwood Heights. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Noon with a viewing beginning at 11:15 am, also at the church. Bill will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City, UT. 

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