Obituary of William E. Smith

Bill passed away December 7, 2019 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He suffered a heart attack.

 

Bill was born November 1, 1945 to Bessie E. (Campbell) Smith and Arthur Smith in Modesto, California. He served in the United States Army as infantry officer from September 1964 until his retirement as a Lt. Col. in September 1984. Bill served one tours in the Dominican Republic and two tours in Vietnam. His first tour in Vietnam was as a rifle platoon leader. On returning to the states, he trained as a helicopter pilot, which had been a lifelong desire. He returned to serve a second tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He enjoyed his four years serving as a company commander in Germany, using his leave time to get familiar with much of Europe.  The latter years of his military career were spent in training and management, serving as chief of war plans and chief of training support at I corps and Ft Lewis. On retirement, he was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service.

 

Bill was originally from California. He came to Olympia area 40 years ago, and graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor degree in Political Science. In September 1983, he married Donna M. Ham.

 

He enjoyed photography, hiking, and running. His family will remember him as a private person and patriot.

 

Bill valued his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Donna M. Smith; sons, Jeffrey and Jaime Smith; daughters, Heidi Smith and Heather Smith, and Jennifer Robinson; brother, Vernon Smith; sisters, Donna Crow and Darlene Ray Smith; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents.

 

The family will hold a private memorial at a later time.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

 

 

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