WILLIAM JOY SMEDLEY

WILLIAM JOY SMEDLEY William Joy Smedley, passed peacefully at home following a short illness, on December 26th, 2024. He was lovingly cared for by his family and especially his youngest daughter, Renauta, who rarely left his side when he was in need. Joy, as he was known to his friends and family, was born on April 22, 1950 to James William Smedley and Lela "Darlene" Briscoe. He was the middle child of three boys and was preceded in death by brothers Jackie Smedley and Daryl Smedley. Joy was born in Artesia, New Mexico and lived there until he joined the United States Military Army Division on April 26th, 1967. He was a country boy at 17 years old, with big ears, a great sense of humor, and a devotion to his country. He was quickly shipped to Vietnam where he served honorably in a variety of roles including truck driver and paratrooper. He received the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal with two loops, Vietnam Campaign Medal DV60, Army Commendation Medal, 3 overseas bars, and a Bronze Star Medal with second Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also an expert marksman. He was honorably discharged in 1976 after three tours in Vietnam and four years as a drill sergeant in Fort Jackson, SC. His military service was a source of pride for him and his family resulting in half of his grandchildren making the decision to serve their country. Joy married Sandra Kay Livingston on April 19th, 1986 in Midland, Texas and became Dad to her daughters, Ladena and Renauta. He was a loving husband and in later years a patient care giver to Sandy until she passed on 02/09/2023. His greatest joy, when his time was near, was that he would be reunited with her for all eternity. Joy was a loving dad, grandpa, and friend. He cared for his family in many ways and was known for making big taco dinners for his kids, many grandchildren, and family friends. All you had to say was "Grandpa is making tacos" to bring the entire family to the table. He was loved by many and, although he was new to Vernal, Utah, he quickly made friends and joined the local bowling league. He could be counted on to show up every Thursday with his two bowling balls. One with its Army emblem and the other with its Navy emblem honoring his grandchildren in different branches of the military. Joy was always in the audience cheering on the grandkids at every sporting and school event. His family was a big source of pride to him. Joy is survived by his daughter, Cassandra Burns and was preceded in death by daughter, Angela Sellers. He was married to his first wife, Dianne Jones, for nine years. He has two grandchildren, Kissandra Riggs and was preceded in death by grandson Colton Thacker, from that union. His second marriage to Sandra didn't result in children but he was definitely considered Dad to Ladena Sipes (Steve Money) and Renauta Livingston (Robert Treager). Renauta gave him six grandchildren whom he eagerly became chauffeur, babysitter, cook, diaper changer, and Grandpa to. They are Bronson Livingston (Sarai), Brandon Livingston (Sammy), Angel Livingston Spain (Preston), Alana Livingston Gough (Jansen), Braydon Livingston, and Aspen "Joy" Livingston. He has two great grandchildren with granddaughter Kissy. At the time of his death he was elated to know he'd add two more great grandchildren to his big family. Another from granddaughter Kissy and one from granddaughter Angel. We'd like to give a special thank you to the caring staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Veterans Hospital, and Canyon Hospice and especially Marcie Firth Duke. We'd also like to thank great nephew, Raymond "Rick" Kennedy for his help caring for Joy. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you eat some tacos and watch a football game and remember Joy. When he died he was still a big eared, fun loving, country boy with a devotion to his country and his family. We just hope he'll always be remembered that way.