of Harvest, AL
December 14, 1927 - August 28, 2014
William ''Bill'' Alexander Smith, Jr., age 86 of Harvest, Alabama passed away Thursday, August 28, 2014 at his residence. He was born December 14, 1927 on a farm in northeastern Alabama to William Alexander and Mollie (Chapman) Smith.
Mr. Smith grew up on the farm, joined the US Army right at the end of World War II, and used his GI Bill to attend Auburn University in Alabama. He met and married Ernestine Henderson in 1951 in Mountain Home, Arkansas during the summer between his junior and senior years in college. They raised three children together.
During his long working career, he was a fisheries biologist for the State of Kentucky and US Agency for International Development, a fisheries specialist at a consulting firm, and finally retired at the age of 82 after 25 years as a PPQ Officer for the United States Department of Agriculture. He worked and traveled all around the world, visiting or working on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. He enjoyed all of it, right up to his last day of work.
He had a curious, inquiring mind and pursued his many interests with great enthusiasm. He was particularly fond of outdoor photography and regularly exasperated his children by making them pose for photos at every possible opportunity. They survived it without noticeable harm, although it must be said that they possess markedly fewer photos of their own children. There may be a possible connection here.
Mr. Smith is survived by a son: Roger Smith and wife Jan of Ashburn, Virginia, a daughter: Connie Tyler and husband David of Yosemite Valley, California, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and oldest daughter Ann Del.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2014 at Baxter Memorial Gardens with Funeral Celebrant Frank Daniels officiating.
Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home.
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2 Condolence(s)
Marvin N Smith
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Growing up in the Adamsburg community in Northeast Alabama on Lookout Mountain with two brothers , three sisters and a half sister in the 1930s was challenging. Only Frank and I are living. Evelyn, Nell, Hope, and half-sister, Valda Mae are deceased. Remember the many hours on the farm growing cotton, corn, hay, vegetables and the peach and apple orchard--a lot of hard work. If the work was done by Saturday, Dad rewarded us boys with a fishing trip to the Little River or Bear Creek. Dad's rewards always kept us close to nature, which he liked. Just some of my thoughts about growing up on the farm. Marvin N Smith
Shelley & Michael Franco
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Roger, Connie, & Family: You have our deepest sympathies. Uncle Bill was much loved by all, and he'll be greatly missed. The world has lost such a dynamic man, but bless him, for now he is at peace.
Love to all,
Shelley & Michael