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William Smalling Obituary

William S. Smalling William Sanford Smalling passed away on March 3, 2009 in Austin. He was born December 4, 1952 in Baytown, Texas to Jack Smalling and the late Marie Smalling. He attended school in Sigonella, Sicily, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, where he excelled on the swim team. Bill graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1974 with a degree in finance. During college, he owned T. Schertz & Co. with Susan Ball, later marrying and sharing his life with her for more than 30 years. They have two sons, Jon and Sam. Bill was a proud and enthusiastic father and cherished his time with his sons, focusing on basketball with Jon and Scouting with Sam. When he founded his real estate company, Smalling Interests, in 1985, it was an accurate name for the scope of his future activities as the things he was interested in were wide and varied. Bill's curiosity about people and his exuberance for life were legendary. He spared no effort in creating experiences of a lifetime for his family and friends, which often involved travel to Europe and Mexico. Inheriting his mother's artistic talents, Bill had an contagious sense of joy and wonder at the beauties of the world and nature. His friends and family will remember Bill as a faithful servant of the Lord, an encouraging spirit with an infectious smile, a true visionary and an avid Longhorn fan. He had a gift for culinary creation, a passion for all things Italian, and an unequaled love of adventure. Survivors include Bill's wife, Susan, two sons, Jon and Sam; his father, Jack, of Baytown, brother Dr. Richard Smalling and wife Sharon; sister Jeanne Archer and her husband Mike; brother-in-law Robert and wife, Debbie; sister-in-law Julie and husband, David; brother- in-law, Howard and wife Diana; and nine beloved nieces and nephews: Andy, Geoff, Julie, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Stefanie, Saundra, Amanda, Nathan, and Haden. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009 at the Westlake Bible Church, 9238 Bee Caves Road in Austin. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Smalling Family Education Fund (American Bank, ATTN Stan Tucker, 3267 Bee Caves Road, Suite 103, Austin 78746) or a favorite charity. The lives he touched span the globe. He will be greatly missed. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Mar. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Smalling

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Stephanie Morton

April 4, 2009

Dear Susan, Jon and Sam,
I am so sorry for your loss. Not sure you will remember Nate and me but you all touched our lives for life when we met you in Austin in the mid 90's. God's comfort and blessings to you and know that I am praying for you. Much love, Stephanie Morton

Donna Wilson

March 24, 2009

Susan, I am so sorry. I love you. Please pass my condolences on to Elizabeth for her loss of Uncle Billy.

Kristen Cepak

March 18, 2009

Susan, Jon and Sam,
Bill's smile is how I will remember him. From the first day I met this amazing man he always helped me with the smallest to the largest things.

When Kyle Covington from the Austin Marriott North called Bill concerning hiring me, Bill told him he would regret it if he did not hire me. Since that day I would always go out of my way to say thank you or simply give him a hug to show my appreciation.

I wish he really knew how much so many people loved him and needed him in their lives. I know I will always miss him.

Lean on the Lord and he will give you the strength and support to make each day better and the pain will become less and less.

Thank you for sharing Bill with me.

Kris Whitfield

March 18, 2009

Susan,
Bill was such an awesome guy and had such a passion for Round Rock and his projects. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be greatly missed.
May God continue to bless you and your family.

Bill, Susan, Jon and Sam at one of Bill's favorite places in the word, besides Italy - the beach at the el Presidente hotel in Cozumel. I will always remember him exactly this way -- Don Martin

March 11, 2009

Dwight Ekholm

March 11, 2009

Dear Susan,
As I have reflected on Bill’s life and legacy, the quality that I think best describes him is encouragement. Like the New Testament leader who was nicknamed “Barnabas,” Bill was an energetic encourager. He was not only a loyal friend; he has been a passionate advocate of our ministry for decades. Bill was what the Apostle Paul called a “cheerful giver” in every sense of the word. He was not only generous in his financial support of a wide variety of local charities and global ministries, but he was generous with his time and enthusiasm. And he was a great “networker”—with his winsome way of introducing me to his wide circle of friends and encouraging them to support Entrust’s ministry—whether through Johan in Africa or through Sandi & me in Europe.

Bill was always a delight to be with. As many other friends have written in the Guestbook, Bill was a first-class listener who cared deeply for other people. As busy as he was, he would take time to get together for lunch or coffee whenever I was in Austin. And when I was with Bill, I never had the sense that he was preoccupied with more important items on his agenda. He was always fully “there” and genuinely interested in what was going on in our lives and in the lives of our daughters. I will dearly miss Bill’s smile and his laugh and the great Italian food that he loved to cook.

In the past week I have listened to the old gospel song “If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven” repeatedly. And with hot tears streaming down my face, I’ve begun looking forward to meeting my friend Bill again “on that beautiful shore.”

I want you to know that Sandi & I are praying that the God of All Comfort will pour out His grace and peace on you, Jon & Sam.

Sincerely in the Good Shepherd,
Dwight Ekholm
Athens, Greece

Kathy Street

March 11, 2009

Dear Susan, Jon and Sam, May God bless you and hold you through these difficult times. I pray that each day brings more peace to you. Bill has left a beautiful light on this earth. Fondly, Kathy Street

Bill Corvo

March 10, 2009

Billy and I grew up together a long time ago in Catania, Sicily. I send my most sincere condolences to everyone in the Smalling family and most especially to Billy's wife and children. To Jack Smalling I can only say that my family will keep you all in our prayers. To Richard and Jeanne I can only say that I feel as though my baby brother is gone. His memory is frozen in my brain, as are you all. God Bless.

Amy Allen

March 10, 2009

Susan,
I did not know Bill and I know you through the Mary Susan Lewis Scholarship activities. I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Scott Sterling

March 9, 2009

Susan and Smalling Family

I knew Bill as a kind and generous christian man and a true gentleman.
He was a man rich in social capital. The fruit borne by the lives he touched will be a crown in Heaven.

Angela Kelly

March 9, 2009

To the Smallings,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time as they have always been. I wish you love and peace of mind in the weeks to come. Be well, Angela

Brent Wiltshire

March 8, 2009

Susan, Jon, Sam,

I have known bill for 15 years. He has always been kind to me. His smile, wisdom and wit were a blessing, these will be missed.
I enjoyed working with him and the scouts on the mulch fundraiser , also the neighborhood HOA, the landscape project at Westlake Bible church, also taking care of the landscape with him at your beautiful homes.
It was my pleasure to spend some time with you at your home on Thursday, adding the white impatiens flowers he was so fond of, to the grand Live oak that Bill enjoyed, also to the great collection of his "birds"(birds of paradise).
May he rest in peace and the Lord be with all of you. I know He is with you during this tough time and will be in the days ahead.

Jack Walzel and Family

March 6, 2009

Dear Susan, We share your sorrow as if it were our own because we care so much for you.

Debbie Aleman

March 6, 2009

Dear Smalling Family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Bill when I worked for the Boy Scouts, and it saddened me to hear about his passing, as he was so kind and and a real gentleman. I know he will be greatly missed by so many people that knew him. My condolences to his family and my prayers are with you.

Reed Stone

March 6, 2009

Dear Smalling Family,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill while working in Round Rock. I enjoyed his intelligent comments about local and world affairs, as well as stories of his many travels. I will always remember his dry sense of humor, but also his very kind heart. God bless you.

Patrick Pevoto

March 6, 2009

Susan, Jon, and Sam,

I was able to share so many good times with Bill and all of you, times that I will always cherish and never forget! Bill was so awesome when we went together to Cozumel; because he knew so many people there, knew the best places to relax and chow down, and was looking out for me and my family, it made the trip my very favorite! He was always a great friend to me and my family, and I will greatly miss him!

Leslee Feldman

March 6, 2009

From everyone at The Hills Fitness Center. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

March 6, 2009

Dear Susan, Sam and Jon,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Love, Anne Fain and family

Mike & Myrna Schoenfeld

March 6, 2009

Susan, Jon, Sam, and family:
Bill is loved and respected by many. His smile and countenance were a light to us all. Myrna and I count our friendship and fellowship with Bill and your family over these many years as a blessing and gift from God, whom Bill loved and with whom he is alive and in total peace and comfort at this very moment. May Christ's loving arms wrap themselves around you. In His love we are lifting you up in our prayers.
God bless you all.

David Lechter

March 6, 2009

One of the most important things to remember in this life is how we each live it. Bill lived it fully and completely. We admired him for his devotion to his family and to causes that he cared about. I have always appreciated the effort you and Bill took to make Pat and I feel part of the family. I especially enjoyed the time at Geoff's wedding where we were seated together and discovered a mutual admiration for all things Italian. I have always appreciated more than anyone will know how Bill, Susan, Jeanne, Jack and the rest of the Smalling family accepted my sister fully and completely as part of the family. It has always been and always will be a great honor to know and love all of the Smallings. You are in our prayers.

Emily Chambers

March 5, 2009

John,
So sorry for your loss, I didn't know your father but if he was anything like you, I know he was a wonderful, caring, generous man. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Stephanie Villavicencio

March 5, 2009

Bill was my friend, mentor and like a second dad to me. He truly cared about people, loved them, believed in them and made them smile. I would not be the person I am today without his positive influence in my life. He will be sorelly missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Susan, Jon, Sam and the rest of his family and friends. We love you.

Aan Coleman

March 5, 2009

Bill's smile, incredible kind heart, and uplifting spirit will be sorely missed by all of us who loved him. May God bless his beautiful family whom he adored so much.

Royd Malmstrom

March 5, 2009

Dear Susan,
I will always remember him as Brother Bill... He and I have the same birthdate...though he would always say..yea..younger and more handsome..and would laugh.. I loved him and our behind the counter chats. Jesus will hold him up high and carry you and those boys...men now.. how time has spead by..nevertheless..Jesus will blink and I or another brother or sister will join brother Bill.. ...

Jane Barbour

March 5, 2009

Dear Dr. Smalling and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how difficult this time will be for you, but my prayers will be with you and your family.

Susan Joiner

March 5, 2009

When I think of Bill Smalling, I think of hilarious laughter, and lots of energy, ideas and enthusiasm. I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted w/Bill at Westlake Bible Church when we served on the communications committee and began its first newsletter in the early '80s. Under Bill’s direction, something that could have been a lot of work and rather tedious became a lot of fun and a great experience. I eventually left WBC, but business (and grocery shopping) occasionally brought me back to Bill. “So how are YOU doing?” he would always ask. He was a great listener, a wonderful supporter and encourager, and ”idea man." I am saddened that he is no longer with us.

Debby Cole

March 5, 2009

I was deeply touched by Bill in so many ways. This could probably be said by hundreds of people. Bill was one of those people who made a difference. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of us all. My prayers are with you.

Kathy Louie, RRMC Surgery

March 5, 2009

Dear Dr. Smalling and family,
We are all so very sorry to hear of your loss. May God surround with with comfort, strength and love. You all are in our prayers.

Selena Rosanbalm

March 5, 2009

Susan and Family -
I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Bill was always so kind and supportive and interested in the lives of everyone around him. He'll be missed by everyone whose life he touched...

Amy and Rusty Bannerman

March 5, 2009

Bill was always so upbeat when we'd run into him in the grocery store - which was a lot! He must have had a passion for food!

We'll always remember how generous he was in hosting those Fourth of July parties with all the kids running around your fabulous home. And his dedication and patience in leading our little Cub Scouts.

Susan, Jon, and Sam, we'll be praying for you all.

Tom Hale

March 5, 2009

Sherry, Theodore, & I will miss Bill for the rest of our lives. Thank God for all the wonderful times we had together. What an awesome husband, father, brother, friend he was to us all. We will be thinking of Bill every moment we are in Italy next week. Love to Susan, Jon & Sam, The T. Hadrian Hale Family

March 5, 2009

Among many other wonderful gifts, Bill Smalling had a heart for young people. At a gathering or in a church filled to the brim, Bill had a way of knowing when a certain young person was spiritually hurting. Maybe God would seat him next to that person or Bill would spot him from a distance; however God planned it, Bill would find that kid, and know how to comfort and encourage him. I believe Bill touched more lives for God than we know. I pray that his family, and those who love him, can soon rejoice because he is now with our Father in heaven.

James Johnson

March 5, 2009

Dear Susan, Jon, Sam, and all of the Smalling Family,
Bill was a fantastic person, a gentleman in every sense of the word to all who knew him., and a true friend. He will be missed by everyone he touched.
God Bless You All,
James Johnson

Amy Culp

March 5, 2009

Susan - I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. May God hold you close and give you comfort.

GINGER TRAMMELL

March 5, 2009

JEANNE, DR. ARCHER, ANDY AND JULIE,

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. KEEP YOUR MEMORIES OF BILLY CLOSE TO YOUR HEARTS DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF.

Melinda Rogers

March 5, 2009

I have some funny memories of Billy from our days at UT. I would go over to Dobie and visit him at the T-Shirt shop. And we would go eat at Schlotsky's. We had a good time ribbing each other. He always made me laugh, and I know he had a hard time figuring me out. He was a good guy! My condolences to you all. Mel

Dave & Janelle Currey

March 5, 2009

Our prayers are with all of you. We know you have many wonderful memories of this great man and that many lives are better because of him.

Kyle Covington

March 5, 2009

Dear Smalling Family,
Bill was a great friend and a welcome guest when he visited us at the Marriott. I always appreciated our regular chats and his valued perspective on all types of topics. Further, true to Bill's caring way, I valued that he always took the time and cared enough to share his perspective with me on what was good and what needed attention. We will always focus on the wonderful times we had together, but we know that Bill is in a better place. Please know our collective prayers are with each of you and I pray the Lord will sustain you in these times.
Your Marriott Family

Jerry Sears

March 5, 2009

I am greatly saddend to learn of Bill's passing. I have know him since 1976. I have had many business dealing with him and will miss his friendship,
Jerry Sears

Marilyn Dommell

March 5, 2009

Dear Dr. Smalling, I am saddened to hear of the loss of your brother. I lost my precious brother last year. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May lots of good memories warm your hearts.
Love you, Marilyn Dommell and Gary Dommell (UT)

David and Bonnie Gustafson

March 5, 2009

Dear Susan,Sam,and Jon. We are so saddened to hear about Your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mikel Erickson

March 5, 2009

I remember the call one night and meeting Mr. Bill at the lake the next morning. Raining still and the lake still rising we pulled cables and lashed ropes to secure the docks in front a rising water. I remember thinking it was hopeless but Bill keep going and smiling and i kept following . We paused on occasion to watch all kinds of creatures climbing out of the water for dry land and talked about the marvel of Gods creation. That day started a marvelous friendship that i will cherous forever. With all the love and respect for a man who was a giver and not a taker. The Mikel Erickson family

Jeff Archer

March 5, 2009

Know that we share your sorrow. Billy has been our friend since the day we met and we will miss him.
Good times.

Dorothy Archer

March 5, 2009

My thoughts are with you all.

Oakwood Surgery Center

March 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Trey Salinas

March 5, 2009

Dear Susan, Sam and Jon,
I loved Bill dearly. He was one of the most generous and caring men I have ever known. And I know that a big part of the reason I am who I am is because of Bill. My heart and prayers are with you and the family.
Bill, I will miss you terribly but I know you are in a better place. God Bless.

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