William "Bill" Elijah Smith

    William Elijah Smith was born on November 2, 1928 in Irondale, Missouri, a son to the late Arthur and Mabel Smith, and went to his heavenly home on October 4, 2023 having reached the age of 94 years, 10 months and 4 days.

    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruby (Skiles) Smith and one brother, Arthur Eugene Smith.

    Those who remain to treasure his memory are his daughter, Judy Taylor of Bismarck, Missouri; son, Danny Smith and wife Lisa of Potosi, Missouri; brother, Jewell and wife Florence of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Jonathan Gallaher of Park Hills, Missouri, Nicole Bennett and husband Eric of St. Genevieve, Missouri, Shanna Sloan of and husband Charlie of O’Fallon, Missouri, Cheyenne Smith, of Potosi, Missouri, Dakota Smith, of Potosi, Missouri; great grandchildren, Adriana and Eli Bennett, Duncan Sloan and many other family members and precious friends.

    Bill grew up on the Wallen Creek family farm learning the value of hard work alongside his brothers, Gene and Jewell. They raised sheep, registered hereford cattle, and had a stud service with percheron stallions and several jacks that were well known through the state. He learned to do all kinds of farm chores and put up hay by the age of 9 with a team of mules and later a 1934 John Deere tractor that is still on the family farm.

     Bill attended Rock Springs School which is on the family farm and graduated from Irondale High School. Bill Married Ruby Skiles on September 25, 1950 and was called to serve in the Army during the Korean War. He was based in Japan from 1951-1953.

     After the service, he came home to buy a farm adjoining his Dad’s farm, raised a family, and worked for the Washington County Highway Department, running a caterpillar and building many of the rural roads in Washington County. Later he worked for the Mineral Point Post Office delivering the mail on a route that included 700 mailboxes.

     During this time he also found time to work the community 4-H Hyline club and also worked in the Irondale Baptist Church as a Deacon and in later years in the Bismarck Baptist Church.

     In retirement Bill enjoyed traveling the United States and fishing with his wife Ruby at Truman Lake, but his greatest joy was working on the farm with the cows, putting up the hay, and mending all those endless fences.

     Bill was greatly admired by all who knew him making an impact on many lives with his example of a “Godly Man”. He will forever be remembered by his family and friends.

      The family has requested for those attending the services to please bring a lawn chair.

      In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the  Caring Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center at 326 East High Street Potosi, Missouri 63664