William R. Smith, 94, of Terre Haute died on Friday, November 20, 2020. He was born in Cory Indiana to Charles Ray Smith and Sarah Elizabeth (Bessie) Smith on July 22, 1926. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 70 years, Wanda Louise Smith, sister Betty Traeger, and brothers Edwin Smith and Herbert Smith.
Bill is survived by two sons, Barton Ray Smith (Karen) and Bradley Dean Smith (Karen), seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
He served during WWII as a Sargent in the 158th Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne. He retired from the Indiana State Police in 1975, retired 10 years as a carpenter, and 23 years as a Blue Jacket for Indiana State University, as well as 20 years as a shoe cobbler.
Bill was active in the VFW and served on the burial detail for many other veterans. He was also a member of the Oregon Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Linda Smock will be officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family asks that flowers arrangements be ordered for the cemetery or in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Due to Covid-19 restrictions masks must be worn to enter the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.
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