William Arthur Smith

 

William Arthur Smith, 91, passed away Thursday December 11, 2014 in Layton, Utah.

He was born July 7, 1923 in Ogden, Utah to Arthur William and Alma Berg Smith. He spent most of his youth in Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School.

He was married March 12, 1943 to his junior high sweetheart Shirley Carroll. They made Kaysville, Utah their home for 55 years.

Bill was a veteran of World War II and served in both the European and Pacific Theatres as a heavy vehicle mechanic. He achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant and received an honorable discharge on February 13, 1946. He was employed at Hill AFB immediately after his discharge as an Aircraft Electrician, a Locomotive Mechanic and retired from Civil Engineering after 30 years of service.

Dad was an avid, almost rabid, fly fisherman all of his life and fished the wilds of northern Utah with his wife, children and many friends. He had a particular love for the Henry's Fork Basin on the North Slope of the Uintah Mountains.

Upon their retirement, Bill and Shirley hit the road in their trailer and boat exploring the Western United States and a respectable part of Alaska and Canada. With seven fellow Hill AFB retirees and their spouses calling themselves the Air Force Navy, they explored the canyons and bays of Lake Powell from Hite to Wahweap, and Flaming Gorge from Lucerne to Cedar Springs.

Bill took great pride in being a Little League umpire in Kaysville, Utah for over 20 years, deflecting the slings and arrows that accompany such a calling with a huge grin on his face.  He was a feared and respected slayer of dandelions and a fervent owner of ONLY Ford vehicles.  He leaves an impressive legacy of honor, hard work, outdoor adventure and strong family values.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two older sisters, Jeanette (Fred) Jackson and June (Dale) Kinnamon. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, daughters Carol (Bill) Sharp, Teresa (Wayne) McCallum, son Craig (Janet) Smith, 8 grandchildren, 20 great- grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and siblings- in-law.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday December 19, 2014 at the Lindquist Mortuary, 400 North Main in Kaysville, Utah.  Friends and family are invited to visit Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.