William "Bill" Gail Smith

William "Bill" Smith, Jr., 78, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on October 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. Born on March 30, 1946, in Atmore, Alabama, Bill grew up with a vibrant spirit that would define his entire life. He was a man who had an infectious laugh, bright smile, and warm hugs who loved his Lord, his family, and his friends.

Bill found joy in the love of his life, Marilu, and together they enjoyed 35 years of marriage. All who knew and loved him knew his greatest legacy was his children and grandchildren. Bill was a loving father to his children Matt (Claudia) Smith, Mike (Deanna) Smith, Sarah (Tommy) Tolleson, and Mary Katherine (Erik) Meeker, and a doting (candy-toting) grandfather to twelve grandchildren, Lexie Smith, Emma Smith, Macy Smith, Abby Smith, Isabel Smith, Peyton Smith, Chapel Smith, Ransom Tolleson, Ruby Tolleson, Fletcher Tolleson, Braleigh Tolleson, and Maise Meeker, who were the light of his life.

He is survived by his brother Don (Laura) Smith, his sister Julie Osenton, his brother-in-law Bob LaVigne, his favorite cousin J. P. (Bob) Puette, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Ruby Maddox Smith, and his sister, Kay LaVigne.

Bill grew up in Atmore, Alabama the oldest of four children. His childhood tales include working at his dad’s Western Auto shop, fishing, raising wild animals, and even shooting his younger sister with a BB gun (all in good fun as the story goes). Upon graduating from high school at the Marion Military Institute, Bill served four years in the US Navy where he honed his discipline and dedication to his country. Following his discharge, he pursued a career as a nurse anesthetist that spanned over 40 years.

Bill's zest for life was evident in his passions. Bill began flying at the young age of 15 and owned several planes over the years, a testament to his adventurous spirit. He also loved guns and explosives and especially loved to mix the two. He was not only adventurous but also intelligent and meticulous, especially when it came to investing in the stock market, where he studied financial information with great care.

A man of faith, Bill was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he found spiritual sustenance and a community that shared his values. He was loving and smart, attributes that made him a pillar in his family and community. Bill's life was one of service- to his community, to his family, and to God.

While his later years included poor health, he knew this earth was not his home. Psalms 73:26 reads “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” We rejoice in knowing he now walks with Jesus with a fully restored mind and body.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 10 am on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church with David Maddox officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday evening from 5-6 pm. Bill's life was a testament to the power of love and faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Flowers are being accepted and may be delivered to the family’s home or memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to Calvary Baptist Church, 901 Montezuma Ave., Dothan, AL 36303 or to hurricane victims at sendrelief.org.