William J. Smith III

1943 - 2017

February 20, 1943 - July 9, 2017 Bill Smith lost his battle with Alzheimers on Sunday, July 9th. He is survived by his wife Karen Samson Smith, his son Jake, brother Dr. Robert L. Smith and family. In broadcasting one rarely has the talent to "do it all". Bill was such a talent. Beginning as a reporter for the Sunland-Tujunga Record Ledger, KGIL Radio beckoned in the 60's where he was made Promotions and Publicity Director, as well as producer of Dick Whittington's popular morning show. An excellent pilot, Bill also reported on news and traffic, soon becoming station News Director. His quick wit led Bill to KABC as the fill-in anchor for the Ken and Bob Show, which led to his teaming with Wink Martindale for a highly-rated afternoon drive-talk show. Television news proved a natural for Bill Smith, first at KTTV as a field reporter, then midday anchor with Nancy Nelson. At night he co-wrote, produced and co-anchored Metro News-Metro News with Chuck Ashman. Additionally, Bill was with KNXT, followed by thirteen years as a field reporter for KTLA. His boss Jeff Wald said, "Bill Smith was simply the best". Bill received Golden Mike Awards from the Radio and Television News Assn., the Greater Los Angeles Press Club Award, and Los Angeles area Emmy Awards while at KTTV and KTLA for best news reporting. In 2016 he received the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Diamond Circle Award. Bill Smith will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched throughout the years. A celebration of his life and memory is currently being planned. Funeral services will be held at 3pm, on Thursday, July 13, 2017, Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries- Los Angeles. Mount Sinai Memorial Parks - Hollywood Hills 800-600-0076 www.mountsinaiparks.org