William Henry Smith

William Herny Smith, Jr., 91, departed this life on October 18, 2022, peacefully at his home amongst his loving family. He was born July 6, 1931, to Alberta Blanton and William Herny Smith, Sr. He grew up in Leavenworth, KS and attended the public schools there. He attended Johnson Control and became a heating and cooling engineer.

In 1947, he joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean War and serving our country for three years. He later became employed by the Veteran's Administration where he worked for 30 years, served as an EEOC officer, and retired in 1993.

He was married to the love of his life, Nancy Smith on September 27, 1925. Together they shared a life of love, lasting memories, and laughter for 47 years. It was no secret that Nancy was his very best friend, and he spent his life loving her and cherishing her. His favorite pastime was just sitting and talking with her.

He was known to many as "Pop Smith", he loved everyone, and children were always drawn to him. He loved bowling, he loved dogs, watching movies, he loved cooking, collecting coins, spending time with family and he loved to fish. He loved boxing and partici­pated in the Golden Glove. William Smith was a very talented man. He played the harmonica, saxophone, and the piano. Oftentimes, you could find him playing the piano as he serenaded his lovely wife.

He had such a giving heart and he loved to fix, repair, refinish and repurpose items. This was truly a part of his life's mission. He helped to furnish homes and apartments in the community for newcomers and he had a passion for serving those that were homeless or maybe in transition. There is no doubt that he loved God and he served God faithfully. He was an usher for over 30 years. He united with Memorial Church International, under the leadership of Apostle and Pastor Olivia Aiken, and was appointed as a deacon. He was in fact a soldier on the battlefield serving and praising the Lord until his death.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Herny Sr.; his mother, Alberta Blanton Smith; and his brother, David Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Nancy Smith; his son, Laurence Smith; his daughters, Margo Hutton, and Marlon Lebron; his sister, Shirley Cheatum; his grandchildren, Shawn Smith, Nancy Lebron, and Clara Hutton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great­-grandchildren, family, and friends.