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William Smith Obituary
Smitty was the best friend we all want; the caring, understanding, fun loving, yet strict dad every kid wishes they had; the loving husband who cares as much about your success as he does about his own. "If you marry me, your life will never be boring", he said. And for 54 years, it never was.
William H. "Smitty" Smith grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where as a rebellious teenager he became a Baha'i, a decision which altered the trajectory of his entire life. A gifted athlete on the football field and on the track, he was one of the first four black football players at Wake Forest University, identified by Sports Illustrated as a pioneer in desegregating Southern college football. Disillusioned with the atmosphere at Wake Forest, he left after a year to focus on organizing in the Civil Rights movement. He was drafted. A Conscience Objector, he served as a Combat Medic in Vietnam, where he earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Medic medal for valor.
Upon returning from Vietnam in 1968, he went to the University of Massachusetts, graduating Cum Laude and earning an Ed.D. His career in education began in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he started a successful school for high school dropouts. Moving to the Boston area he served as a principal in the Boston Public Schools and eventually in Sudbury. His longtime interest in communications and media led him to found WNDS TV50 in Derry, NH, which led to starting a video production company, ComTel Productions. He made many award winning documentaries, many of which were shown on PBS. His film The Invisible Soldiers inspired the National Day of Honor, established by Congress in 2000 , honoring the service and sacrifice of African Americans and other minorities in WWII. After working at Emerson College and Wheelock College, he founded the National Center for Race Amity in 2010. This was the culmination of his life's work, bringing together his passion for justice, love for people, and unwavering commitment to the oneness of humankind. He travelled all over the world. Radiating optimism and joy, he made friends wherever he went. His was a life well lived and he is sorely missed.
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3 Entries
Faith Cercone
February 13, 2025
I met Smitty when I was 7 years-old.
I met him when he was to be married to Marcia. I had never met anyone quite like Smitty before. He carried a self assurance with him that immediately was striking. He was neither boastful nor retiring, he loved meeting his new relatives and had a natural curiosity about the lives of his new cousins, aunts, and other relatives.
I had never met anyone who shared their faith so openly as Smitty.
Through his actions and loving demeanor, Smitty taught us that being a Baha´i was a privilege and an honor. He tirelessly taught his faith throughout his life, always seeking new ways to spread the faith he loved so dearly. Smitty met many people, faith leaders, presidents, people from many different backgrounds. He made an impression on all of them. More than anything, he wanted people to hear the message of love he so reassuringly offered.
Smitty loved sports. He had a competitive nature and it showed up in our backyards. No one liked our annual egg hunts more than Smitty!
He was quick to smile and I loved hearing his deep silly laugh that filled whatever room he was in.
Children and education were a huge influence in his life. Being an educator seemed so natural to Smitty. For me personally, he taught me not to be discouraged when things did not go my way, but taught me to keep thinking about how to shape the future. He firmly believed that tests come and go, and the lessons we learned always left us with valuable insight.
Marcia, the love of his life. Proud of her many talents, thrilled to spend time with her whether in the sands of the Cape, the cosy home they have made in Sudbury, or the shadow of Mt. Tom. Caeli, you made Smitty a father. He could not have been prouder of you! Lewis and Bevin, Jillian, and all his grandchildren, it was apparent the love he felt for each of you. God bless you and keep you during this difficult time.
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David Chard
February 7, 2025
I was fortunate to meet Smitty in 2016 when I became President of Wheelock College, where Smitty led the National Center for Race Amity. He was a shining light managing a Center with values that reflected the values of our college. Annually he would host a big event featuring dignitaries who had contributed to Race Amity nationally and regionally. I was fortunate enough to participate in two of those events and to see Smitty at his very best. Nothing made me feel more welcome at Wheelock College than one of Smitty's hugs and a conversation about his work, about which he was very passionate. I will miss him.
Diane Cercone
February 6, 2025
I was ten years old and he came around with my cousin, Marcia Loomis Smith. He immediately fit in and the rest is history.
He taught me how to scale a fish and how to properly fly a kite. He loved Italian cookies and I did my best to have them for him on every holiday. An extraordinary man. I am honored that he was snd will forever be a part of my family.
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