Bill Smith

(From Parker Mortuary)

William Lawrence 'Bill' Smith, Sr. was born on April 28, 1926 to Rev. Joseph and Phoebia Smith. He was called home by our heavenly Father on April 4, 2017 at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, Missouri after several weeks of illness.

He attended school in Natchez, Mississippi and graduated in 1945 from Brumfield High School. He moved to New Orleans and came to Joplin to work at the former Kornado Kourts. He was later employed at Wendtz Equipment Company. Bill made his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 35 years of dedicated requested service as an installer. Bill was active with the Joplin Housing Authority for forty two years and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was the first African-American appointed to such a position with the City of Joplin. On November 17, 2014, Bill was recognized by Mayor Seibert with a certificate of appreciation for his many years of service.

He was baptized at Unity Missionary Baptist church where he was a Sunday School teacher for the young people who enjoyed being in his class. He loved people and was always willing to help everyone who needed a helping hand. The warmth of his smile was awesome.

Survivors include his wife, Betty J. Smith, with whom he shared 68 years; a son, Gregory Lee Smith, Lancaster, California; six grandchildren, Neaicia Koyle and children, Alicia Smith and son, Brittany and husband Steve Abraham, Janelle Johnson, Tony and Tonia Burton and children; special sister-in-law, Susie Reaves who is a devoted caretaker of Love and food; Marion Smith Jones; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, relatives and friends whom all loved him; and a special love from the Golden Corral family.

Services will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Rufus Kelly will officiate. Interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Teddy Johnson, Eric Colbert, Odell Sawyer, Glen “Poochie” Caldwell, J. L. Love, and Larry Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Reaves, Joe Blue, Jim Johnson, Mike Gilbert, Jim West, Greg Wyatt, Bobby England, Tony “Card” Reaves, Gary “Cat” Johnson, and Ronald Bonner.