William Smith Obituary
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Audrey Kuntz Angel
October 25, 2004
My deepest sympathies to Katie and other members of Bill's family. He was truly one-of-a-kind, a joy to all who encountered him.
Tom Woltz,Sr.
October 21, 2004
Bill was always there. Seems like every race I entered he was there volunteering. He was refreshing to see and always had a smile and a witty comment. I first met him through his ex-wife. There ought to be a special award named after him for volunteering in this city's running races. He was a living landmark! He and Tom McB.are one of the main reasons I would run a race. What a guy!!!!!!!!! God really lucked out with this one! My deep feelings go out to the family,Tom Woltz,Sr.
Dianne Reed
October 19, 2004
I was out of town last week when I received the sad news. Bill was always willing to help a friend in any form or fashion. Everytime I saw him, he always had a smile and greeted me with a big bear hug. J.P. and I are really going to miss him.
Jack Lippincott
October 17, 2004
Bill was a "friend you could count on." Though he was not a big guy, his passing has left a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him...
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Carol & Joe Reimer
October 16, 2004
We are both so sad to know Bill lost "his last race", although he's surely won a first place in Heaven. I can just hear him saying "you lil' darlin". Gosh, he sure made us girls feel special. What a guy - what a friend. The world was a much better place with Bill around. Our sincere regrets to his family. We'll all miss him, he WAS indeed a "darlin'".
Beth McKim
October 15, 2004
This is a poem I wrote for my friend Bill. I read it to him at the hospital when he was ill and he enjoyed it. I also got to read it at the after funeral tribute get-together we had for Bii.
He ran into my life and stole my heart
Almost immediately a friendship would start
He seemd to be a redneck in so many ways
But his actions did not match the things he would say
He loved all the ladies but couldn'st remember their names
To him all his darlins' were one and the same
Short in stature yet big on love
He talked like a hawk but was really a dove
A salesman deluxe he knew everyone
He made a day of work look like a day of fun
A friend to so many---he loved us all
When we weren't in touch he would give us a call
He knew all our families and they loved him too
He was always included when there was something to do
We called when things broke and here he would come
He made fixing look easy and told us were were dumb
He was like Paul Newman in Nobody's Fool
Took care of us all and was always so cool
We loved all his sayings and all of them we knew
The ones from his mama and daddy too
He loved the races of those really fast cars
He hung out at restaurants and didn't care for bars
His sisters helped raise him and took such good care
He thought of his family as a treasure so rare
Son in law and brothers in law meant so much to him
He never missed a chance to speak well of them
But let's face it folks and this is no surprise
There were really three women that could light up his eyes
Katie, Jack and Dan were his heart and soul
Hanging out with them was his favorite goal
A man who worked hard and played hard each day
Who was never too busy or with nothing to say
With courage, friendship and love our lives he would fill
The man we loved dearly, our wonderful Bill.
Gerardo Mora
October 14, 2004
I'm sorry to hear of your passing Bill. Those of us who know you understand that the world has lost one of their better ones and we are sad. We must learn to go on without you, but rest assured that the world is a better place because of the time you spent with us.
My condolences to your family.
stan timmer
October 14, 2004
Bill was one of the best behind-the-scenes people I've ever met. Things got done when Bill was involved. He often would show his tough exterior, but was a true marshmellow of a guy.
Jerry Smith
October 14, 2004
Bill was a long time member of the Houston Area Road Runner Association (HARRA) and tireless running community volunteer. Bill was one of the founding members of HARRA, attending many of the developmental meetings back in the early 90's when the organization was just beginning to take shape. He was also the consummate volunteer, a long time familiar face at the finish line of all the Warm-up Series races, the Houston Marathon and a whole host of other local runs. His smiling face and jovial nature will be missed by all, and especially by all of us in the Houston running community.
Leonard Topolski
October 14, 2004
In over twenty years of running there is a select few group of individuals that stand out in your mind. Bill was one of those people. He was as regular a fixture at a race as was the finish line, and he never failed to greet you with a laugh or ask about you or your family. I have never known such a tireless individual who contributed so much to the sport. His participation will be sorely missed and irreplaceable. Thinking of Bill Smith is one of those moments in life that never fails to bring a smile to your face.
Lynn Trafton
October 14, 2004
Sweet Bill, we all loved him so very much. He was a great little man with a huge heart. No one will ever replace him in the Houston running community. He was always smiling and yes, he called me "darlin" too. You could always count on Bill no matter what. He was a trouper till the end, hanging on till "Tuesday" as he said that was his exit. I will remember and love him always.
Jim & Karen Braden
October 13, 2004
Nobody who has visited us in Colorado in the last six years has enjoyed himself so much. Bill never stopped, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and so much more. When not doin', we were talkin'. Few people think and talk so stright and clear, as Bill. We miss him dearly.
Kathy Molitor
October 13, 2004
Bill will be greatly missed by the running community...and I never saw him run. I guess that tells it all.
Georgette McNamee
October 13, 2004
Bill Smith was on old, dear friend of mine. His smile and "Hi, darlin" could make my day. He was a fine man. I find comfort that he is out of pain and residing in a better place.
Jill DeVay
October 13, 2004
I just had to say what we all know & love about Bill...he had a huge heart of gold & always, always, a smile on his face no matter what the situation. His triathlon friends will miss his presence, but he will always be a part of our family. God Bless. Jill & Joe DeVay
Bob (A.K.A."old. J.R.") Shannon
October 13, 2004
An original member of ALRC (Al Lawrence Running Club)best volunteer Houston Running Community ever had--every one loved Bill - a friend of nearly 20 years. Great Guy he will be Missed!
Rosa Herst
October 13, 2004
Bill always had a smile and sweet greeting for all the runners and we could always count on seeing him volunteering at our runs. He was an important member of our running community and he will be missed.
October 13, 2004
I will always remember Bill as a dear friend and a good man. For me, it was an honor knowing him for nearly 12 years. He will be honored, cherished, and loved by many for a long time to come. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Regards,
Kamiar Kouzekanani
Austin, TX
Bob Cozens
October 13, 2004
Bill was happy chap. He was always willing to give it go. He will be missed.
Andy Stewart
October 13, 2004
Bill was my friend for 20 years. He volunteered at our triathlons and roadraces. One of his volunteer jobs was to make sure the faster athletes left food from the postrace party for the ones at the back. He cared and was good at it. (Everyone else was scared of that task.)I will always remember Bill.
Leslie Taylor
October 13, 2004
Bill will be greatly missed by so many people. He left an indelible mark on my heart and I will forever hear him calling me "darlin" as only he could. How lucky I am to have been able to call him my friend!
Gail Sabanosh
October 13, 2004
Each time Bill and I would run into each other, we would greet each other the same way. I'd say "Oh, no Mr. Bill.." and he would say "Hello Darlin'" then we would both laugh. If Bill said he would do it, you could count on it being done. I will miss his wry sense of humor and steadfast commitment to his friends from all walks of life.
John Polisini - ALRC Member
October 13, 2004
Bill was a runner's runner. He made us all better people than we would have been had we not known him, not been blessed by his smile, discipline and charm.
He talked often of his family, how much he cared for them, even to those who thought they were strangers to Bill. What we all came to know was that no one was a stranger to Bill. He loved two things more than anything else in this world. His family and running.
In the end, that is as fine a legacy as anyone can ask for.
All the best to his family. He was a fine man.
Bill Hadley
October 13, 2004
Bill and I worked together at the HMSA 25K, the Bayou City 10K, the Galveston Relay Marathon and the Houston Marathon. He never complained about the workload or the time he spent volunteering. His suggestions were always, succinct, to the point and valuable.
I will miss his friendly banter, his company and above all his friendship. He was a true friend and always available when needed.
Susan Sternberg
October 13, 2004
Bill was a favorite in the running community for so many people, myself included. I'll truly miss hearing him say "darlin'." Smart, funny, sensitive . . . Bill had a huge heart and everyone was his friend. Heaven has a special angel now.
Charles Caldwell
October 13, 2004
I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill for about 26 years. I met him when we both started racing Micro Midgets in late 1977. We had many weekends of fun, both racing and working on our cars. We have stayed in touch over the years even though neither of us still race. Bill was one of the nicest, most decent human beings that I have ever known. I will miss his smile and friendship.
Martha Hilton
October 13, 2004
Bill was a cheerful part of the best Houston races. He will be missed.
Bayou City Classic 10K will never be the same without you!
Karen Thibodeaux
October 13, 2004
Bill Smith was my dear friend for 24 years. He was the biggest volunteer in the running/triathlon community. He was also an avid lover of stock car racing. He had a fish tank with gorgeous fish that were 18 years old (he told me this 2 weeks ago!). He loved everyone he met! Bill participated in every way he could and was indeed an incredible man - he would never tell a friend "no" and gave of himself like nobody I have ever met in my life. This man should be granted sainthood! He was the ultimate friend - and will always be remembered by me! And like the first entry in this book, when I left the hospital on the 6th of October, I gave him a kiss on the lips and he said "I love ya darlin!" But, I knew he said this to all the ladies! HA! But, I also knew he really meant it. Such a loss to everyone who knew him. God, you got lucky - now you will get all the help you need up there!
When I met him, he introduced himself as Bill Smith "really", and that's what I have always called him! He was funny, cute, joyful, loving, and all of the things that would describe a truly special man!
I love ya Bill Smith Really!
Kay Davis
October 13, 2004
I worked with Bill at Carboline. His enthusiasm, sense of humor, and great sales ability drew people to him. He was passionate about doing the right thing, and I'll miss his cheerful "Hello, pretty little darlin'". Heaven is a better place with his presence. Kay Davis
Dick Vincent
October 13, 2004
Bill was my friend. He and Matt recently bought some antique cars from my dad and he and I were looking forward to restoring the model-T in his garage. He kept talking about bringing the wood spoke wheels by for me to start on but never got around to it. I spoke to him last week. I will miss him.
My sincere regrets,
Dick
Judy Bruce
October 13, 2004
Bill was a delight to be around and will be missed by the running community. Condolences to the family.
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