William (Bill) P. Smith

Funeral services for William P. “Bill” Smith, 89, of Monroe, will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Graceminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bruce Rux officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.
Mr. Smith was born and raised in Jackson Parish. He graduated from Beech Springs High School and after joined the United States Navy. He served his country during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. He served on the USS Lunga Point, the USS Birmingham, and the USS Ticonderoga. He was a graduate of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. He obtained his Bachelor of Science and also his Master’s in Education. Mr. Smith started his teaching career in Winn Parish, served as Principal of Oak Ridge High School and later becoming Morehouse Parish School Supervisor. He retired from the education system to join his close and dear friend, Clarke M Williams Sr., at CenturyLink.  He retired from CenturyLink as an Executive Senior Vice President in 1984. Mr. Smith continued to serve in numerous volunteer organizations including North Monroe Hospital Auxillary, Scottish Rites Masons, Monroe Rotary and Barak Shriners. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed a full and vibrant life with his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Jeri. They enjoyed many years traveling and spending time with their numerous friends. Mr. Smith passed away Monday, March 25, 2013, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Minnie Brown Smith and his daughter, Jeri Lynne Smith.
Survivors include his wife, Jeri G. Smith; son, W. Gardner Smith; daughter-in-law, Carol Ann; granddaughters, Brooke Smith and husband, Doug, Kristi Hudgins and her husband, Jesse, Laine Shemwell; grandsons, Chase Smith, John Flemister, Matthew Squyres; great grandchildren, Analyn Smith, Khristian Ellerbe, Rylee Smith; nephews, Bill Gibbons, Terry Smith, Jim Spell, Harvey Spell, Brad Pollock, Stan White, Steve White, and Mark Malloy; nieces, Dana Malloy Smith and Shellye White Timmons.
Pallbearers will be Chase Smith, Jesse Hudgins, John Flemister, Doug Smith, Matthew Squyres, Mike Venable, Blake Smith, Stan White, and Steve White.  Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Venable, Eddie Gallegos, Bill Gibbons, Earl Hogan, Harvey Perry, Robert Barham, Charles White, Otis Paul Malloy, and Edwards Barham.
The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff of Louisiana Hospice, especially Karol Handy, Suzanne, and Glynda Thomas.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.
Memorials may be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA

Visitation
4-7 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road, Monroe

Services
10 AM Thursday, March 28, 2013
Graceminster Presbyterian Church
Monroe, LA