William Smith
William E. “Bill” Smith, 65, of Bloomington, passed away at 5:34 p.m. May 1 at his residence surrounded by his loving wife of 44 years and his children.
Bill was born June 27, 1949, in Bloomington, the son of Loren L. and Bette E. Smith. He married Deborah E. Weld on Dec. 14, 1970. She survives.
Also surviving are one sister, Lori Hoffman, Bloomington; two children, Jamie M. Smith, Bloomington, and Carrie L. (Darrin) Leverson, Atlanta; nine grandchildren, Nicolas Baize, Kayleigh Smith, Abbigail Smith, Tristan Hardy and Jared Leverson, all of Bloomington; Attleigh Leverson, Jason Leverson and Kaelyn Leverson, all of Atlanta; and Kelsey (Scott) Pratt, Clarksville, Tenn.; four great-grandchildren, Karlee and Tanner Pratt, Clarksville, Tenn., and Teagan and Paisleigh Leverson, Atlanta; sister-in-law, Peggy L. Smith, Bloomington; two nieces, Tiffany Smith, Bloomington, and Kristin Smith, Peoria; and one great-niece, Sydny Smith, Bloomington.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Loren E. Smith and Sidney D. Smith; and one nephew.
Bill served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971. He was a Vietnam War veteran. Later he worked for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and Bloomington Offset Printing Inc.
Bill was a member of the American Hungarian Family Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and a 33rd-degree Mason. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and listening to old music. He loved watching football and cheering for the Chicago Bears. He also loved spending time with his neighborhood buddies. And he especially enjoyed a special bond with his “brother,” Clayton James. But his ultimate joy was his family and grandchildren.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington. The Rev. Steve Evans will officiate. Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow the service at the American Hungarian Family Society.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the memorial home. The family suggests memorials to Transitions Hospice, American Hungarian Family Society or Wounded Warrior Project. Memorials may be mailed to Deborah E. Smith, 1006 N. Morris Ave., Bloomington 61701.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The twinkle in his eye and his infectious smile will be missed.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.beckmemorial.com.
