William Joseph Smith

William Joseph Smith, 82, of Galesburg, went home to Jesus at 2:55 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.

Bill was born February 2, 1934 in Rock Springs, AR, the son of Claude and Demma Gifford Smith.  Bill married Gloria Jean Bainter on May 24, 1957.  She preceded him in death on February 11, 2007.  He later married Suzanne Darrnell Anderson Woodside McCue on August 16, 2009 in Galesburg.  Those left to cherish Bill’s memory are, his wife, Suzanne of Galesburg; one son, Ron Ericson of Galesburg; four daughters, Gail (Holman) Jones of Texas, Kim (Richard) Taylor of Galesburg, Sheryl (Junior) Hensley of Tennessee, and Lisa (Scott) Nemeth of Galesburg; three brothers, Harold D. (Alice) Smith, Delbert L. (Alice Williamson) Smith, and Marty T. (Rita) Smith all of Abingdon; two sisters, Sharon (Norman) Fauber of Spring Bay and Mary M. Don)  Cunningham of Galesburg; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Along with his parents and first wife, Bill was preceded in death by one son, Phillip Smith; two brothers, Carroll and Gerold Smith; and one sister, Charlotte Mears.

Bill served in the US Air Force from 1953 to 1957, working as an aircraft electrician.  Bill then worked for OMC Gale Products.  He then worked as a meat cutter for several different grocers in the Galesburg area.  He retired from Breslin’s Floor Coverings after 30 years.  While working at Breslin’s Bill gained a great knowledge of hanging drapes, a hobby he carried into retirement.  Bill loved to sing, especially at church.  He also loved to read, dance, make jewelry, and tending to his garden.  Bill was a past president and member of the O.A.K.S.  Bill also enjoyed playing bingo and cards.  He attended Four Square Gospel Church.  Bill will be long remembered for his Western style of dress.  Bill was granted the opportunity to be a member of Honor Flight #27 on April 16, 2014.  A man that knew no stranger, Bill enjoyed talking with people and making them laugh.  Some even called him ornery. 

Private family graveside services were held at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016 in the Garden Room at the Kensington, 311 E. Simmons St., Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Rescue Mission or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.