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William Smith Obituary
Phoenix - Rev. William O. Smith passed away peacefully on September 3, 2018, surrounded by his family and blanketed with their love. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1931, in the small town of Conway, Missouri. His childhood and upbringing were simple and of modest means, but rich and abundant with the love of God and family. This close-knit community of family and faith paved the path Bill would eventually walk to find his calling as a minister and an active voice and leader in the City of Phoenix.
Bill established a strong work ethic at an early age. As a boy, he mowed lawns for 25 cents each, and served up shakes and malts at Winstead's drive in. He loved baseball and basketball and threw a mean knuckleball, but it was on a basketball scholarship that he attended Drury College in Springfield, MO. Intending to pursue a career in medicine, there was a spiritual pull that he could not ignore. Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University was the next step. During seminary he worked as the youth director at First Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. He soon met the stunning Ann Rich, who shared his altruistic views of the world, and they were married in Odessa, TX on June 22, 1956.
After graduating from seminary, Bill became a member of the Southwest Missouri Conference of the Methodist Church. He and his bride moved to Adrian, MO to begin their ministry at the First Methodist Church. Two years later they were off to the Western frontier of Phoenix, AZ where he began Crossroads United Methodist Church in 1958. In August 1973, he began Shadow Rock United Church of Christ, where the doors were open to all, and worship was contemporary, experimental, innovative and intentional.
Bill was always active in and around the community. He founded the North Phoenix Corporate Ministry, comprised of six churches and two synagogues, with the vision and purpose to literally and symbolically unite different local faiths to work toward the common good of the community. He served as the Chairman of the LEAP (Leadership Education for the Advancement of Phoenix) Commission, which was a division of President Lyndon Johnson's war on poverty. He later worked with Mayor Terry Goddard to establish the first Martin Luther King Day breakfast in Phoenix.
While there were numerous other community endeavors, Bill's main focus began to develop in the area of preschool education. In 1990 he founded A Stepping Stone Foundation to create success through education for children and families with limited opportunities.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ann; his sister, Mary Sue Gibson; three daughters, Annette, Allison (Steve), and Jacqueline (Lisa); four grandchildren, John, Meaghan, Madison and Estella.
Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ, 12861 N. 8th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85029.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: A Stepping Stone Foundation, P.O. Box 87149, Phoenix, AZ 85080 or http://www.asteppingstone.org/donate.html. Visit http://www.hansenmortuary.com for condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Smith
Lynann Kennedy
October 30, 2018
My family went to Rev. Smith when he first started ministering in Phoenix. As I recall the first meetings were held in a small classroom at Gomper's Clinic. We were there when the original Crossroads was built on Central Av. Though I was a child I remember his weekly visits to my dear mother. I still remember some of his sermons and even though they were close to 60 years ago they helped me in life. My condolences to his loving family. He had such a large impact on so many people.
October 1, 2018
I remember Bill with great admiration and respect from his earliest days serving as the pastor of Crossroads United Methodist Church. In fact, I was a member of his first confirmation class, which was held at Simis Grade School in 1958 before Crossroads Church was built. He was consistently gentle and soft-spoken and a joy to be with. I did not know (as was stated in his obituary) that he was born on April 5, my parents (Murray and Martha Whitmire) wedding anniversary as well as my wife's and my wedding anniversary, and our oldest grandson's birthday. What poignant coincidences. Finally, Bill will be long remembered for the profound and effective role he played in the ecumenical and social service work and leadership he provided in the Valley. He did not, and does not have, an equal. Drs. Jane and Marshall Whitmire
September 21, 2018
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Reverend Smith. I had worked with him on numerous occasions at Green Acres in Scottsdale. He was pleasant and always a joy to be around. God bless your family. You will be sorely missed but never forgotten!
Mike Kelley Son of Bob and Shirley Kelley
September 15, 2018
Rev Smith a k a Bill had a large presence in our family's lives. From baptisms to youth groups to weddings to last year's funeral for my Dad's cousin Margaret, he was there as a guiding light. But besides a physical presence, he also had a spiritual presence. Unknowing to us youth, he introduced us to equality. He made sermons interesting by using Peanuts cartoons while delivering God's word. He showed us what a great example Jesus was. And he introduced us to humanity. Our love and prayers go out to his family as we celebrate Bill's life.
"Our Creator" Isaiah 40:28
September 14, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie, Dawn, Lisa and Terri Schoenberger
September 14, 2018
We were so very sorry to hear of Reverend Smith's passing. He was always there for us, no matter the need. He had a true gift for making you feel better.
He will be greatly missed. Love, Debbie, Dawn, Lisa and Terri Schoenberger
September 13, 2018
Rev Smith, you will be missed! I will miss your smiling face and funny sense of humor. Thank you for your kindness and loving spirit. Jodie Perez (Shadow Mtn Mortuary)
Deborah Delgado
September 13, 2018
Bill you and Ann were like my 2nd parents in so many ways heartfelt times when you both cared so deeply for us I have kept safely in my heart thank for being there always , you and Ann even taking pictures in the hospital. You and Ann are my treasures forever be safe love Daniel and Deborah Delgado
September 13, 2018
My condolences to Rev. Smith's family. I attended funerals where he officiated and so enjoyed listening to him that I had him officiate my father's funeral. He was a gentle soul, good listener and great speaker with words of comfort and wisdom. I am sorry for your loss.
D. Kelly
September 12, 2018
To Rev Smith's family,
Rev Smith was a very sensitive and empathetic support to our family upon two ocassions--the funeral service of our mother in 2001 and that of our father in 2009. We were referred to Rev Smith by Paul Messenger, who had known him for many years. What made your father's willingness to officiate at their funerals special to our family was because our parents were of different religious heritages (Congregational and Jewish) . His acceptance, openness and willingness to learn of them through the stories we shared with him in preparation for the services allowed us to deal with our loss in a healthier manner.
Thank you Reverend Smith.
Dottie and Ralp Fargotstein's family ( Barbara, John, Phil, Joseph, and Katherine Fargotstein).
Lisa Fargotstein
September 12, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. He was such an integral part of our lives from wedding celebrations and funeral services, to just lending his help whenever needed. Most importantly, just being the true genuine person he was. Always keep the great memories alive. Best to all of you. Love, the Fargotstein and Schoenberger families
September 12, 2018
My deepest condolences for your loss may the grace of God bring comfort and peace to your family Zechariah 2:8.
Christina Garcia
September 12, 2018
Rev Bill Smith was a lovely kind gentleman who I was lucky to know through other friends of mine . He was so devoted to his sweet wife Ann and they were always so kind to me when I saw them at Starbucks or other places . Love to Ann and family and prayers for all the family
September 11, 2018
My heart felt condolences. May you find comfort in family and friends in this time of need ( Proverbs 17: 17 ).
Maria Esparza
September 11, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family. Rev. Smith officiated many funeral services that I was a part of. The first day I heard him speak, I said to myself 'He is the person I want to conduct my wedding.' 10 years later, on October 10, 2015, he was the one who officiated. Rev Smith was a wonder with words and was so comforting even when you were not the person he was there to comfort. He will be deeply missed and continue to be an inspiration. Godspeed.
Kim Spangler
September 11, 2018
Annette, Jackie, Allison - I am sending love and condolences to your family as you mourn your sweet father. What a wonderful man he was, so full of kindness and care. I hope you and your mom will receive comfort and peace knowing how he touched so many lives with his positive presence. He will live on in spirit as you honor his memory each day. Love, Kim
Kevin Danzey
September 11, 2018
In gratitude and appreciation to Rev. Dr. Smith, who with a quiet strength, kindness, and compassion officiated the memorial service for my father, Robert. He was a great gift to us in a difficult time, and while it was several years ago, the warm presence of Rev. Dr. Smith has not been forgotten. Our prayers for peace and comfort to his family and friends.
Maryann Foreman
September 11, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Smith and family. I worked with Rev. Bill many times at Greenwood Cemetery as he conducted graveside services for numerous families. I have fond memories of the stories he told and the comfort he gave to all those families. He was a great person and will be greatly missed.
September 11, 2018
Thank you Dr. Smith for all the many services you officiated. I was so grateful to you and am still for my sister's funeral and many others.
September 10, 2018
Let good thoughts of your loved one feel your hearts with love and bring you peace.My sincerest condolences for the family and friends.
Nelson & Laura Hill
September 10, 2018
Our love and prayers go out to the Smith family. Words can't express how important Bill was to our family. His friendship, advice and sincere loving thoughtfulness will always be remembered and treasured by us both.
Your neighbor..
September 10, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Smith family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19
Michelle Rosenbaum
September 9, 2018
We will miss Bill greatly. He was more than a great neighbor to our family, he provided support and guidance when my mother passed away 20 years ago. He also married my brother and his wife in our backyard.
Our love goes out to Ann along with their three daughters and grandchildren.
Michelle, David, Josh and Emily
Amy Oglesby Spain
September 9, 2018
My heart breaks with the passing of Reverend Smith. A cornerstone of our Sunnyslope community and a guiding force to the children in the neighborhood. I was so fortunate to have known this loving and gracious family since my middle school years. Reverend Smith was part of so many of my childhood memories from sleep overs with the girls, to high school sports, and he presided over my family's wedding celebrations and funerals. He is inextricably linked to my childhood and my life. Thank you to the Smith family for sharing him. I regret I can't be at the Celebration of Life but will be with you all in spirit.
September 7, 2018
I remember Bill with great fondness -- he was a rock for me when I was going through some rough times. He was a kind and gentle man.
Hugs to you and your family, Ann, in this time of learning to cope without Bill's daily presence in your lives.
Trudy Warm of Butler Drive (formerly Blessin)
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