Bill Smith

Herbert "Bill" Ross Smith, a man truly bigger than life, was born on December 22, 1934, in Tallapoosa, Georgia, to Albert and Mamie Smith. On December 28, 2025, in Spokane, Washington, Bill went home to be reunited with the love of his life, Donna, just three short months after her passing. Together again, their love story continues.

In 1954, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, a decision that brought him west and ultimately led him to the greatest blessing of his life-meeting Donna. From the moment they met, they knew their love was forever. They married in 1956 and went on to build a beautiful legacy of love, faith, and family. This year, they celebrated 69 blissful years of marriage, a union many admired and aspired to.

One of Bill's greatest accomplishments was being an incredible father to his daughters, Debbie and Vicki. He was the very best "girl dad," proud, devoted, and endlessly supportive.

Bill lived life fully and found his greatest joy in spending time with family, especially his beloved grandbabies. He was an avid baseball and softball fan and never missed cheering on his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. Bill coached his girls in recreation softball and later became the most enthusiastic sideline coach to Abby and Tanner, always cheering the loudest with a smile on his face.

A natural with his hands, Bill built successful careers at American Sign and Tri-State Sign, where his strong work ethic and craftsmanship shone until his retirement in the late 1990s.

A man of deep Catholic faith, Bill lived by example through selfless acts of kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for those around him. His charismatic personality, infectious laugh, and unmistakable big smile drew people in wherever he went. Simply put-there was no one like Bill.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Debbie Wehrli and Vicki (Ed) Fischer; grandson Neil (Shaunda) Smith; granddaughter Jenifer (Brian) Piper; great-grandchildren Abigale and Tanner Piper; sisters Barbara (Bob) Sweet, Joyce Thompson, and Evelyn Smith; brother Roger Smith; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna Smith, son-in-law Lee Wehrli, brother Horace Smith, and sister Joan Miller.

Bill will be deeply missed, but his faith, love, and larger-than-life spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Bill's life, honoring their enduring love and legacy, will be held at Mary Queen Parish on Monday, January 5, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception and burial to follow.