William “Bill” Clarence Smith, Jr., age 93, of Horsepasture, VA, died at his home Friday, December 16, 2022. Bill was born in Stoneville, NC on January 17, 1929, to William Clarence Smith, Sr., and Pearl Dillard Smith. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Roberson Smith, a son, William (Billy) Clarence Smith, III., a grandson, Tyler Smith and his second wife, Evelyn J. Smith.
Bill, a man true to his faith and his community, owned and operated Better Builders Supply for over 40 years. He was a devoted member of Horsepasture Christian Church serving as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher and various committee chair positions. He was a founding member and the first president of the Horsepasture Ruritan Club. Understanding the need for a fire department, Bill worked with others community leaders to found the Horsepasture Fire Department. He was a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Henry County School Board, and the ecumenical Men’s Prayer Breakfast.
Bill had vision and unselfish dedication to the community and when the economy receded, Bill invested in a local business. He believed in the management team but realized that without financial support from the community that many employees and friends might lose their jobs. This financial support was another form of community service.
After retirement, Bill enjoyed restoring Spencer Penn Elementary School with the other “jacklegs”. Many hours were shared among like-minded volunteers and eased the grief journey after the death of his first wife, Nancy.
He was known for his infectious smile, his deep Christian faith, his love of family and friends, his ability to fix anything and as his wives, children and grandchildren would say, “he knew how to save a penny”.
Surviving are his wife, Adelia Moore Smith; daughters, Martha Smith Anderson (Brady), Sue Smith Hane (Tom), Lee Smith Robison (Churchill) and Susan Prillman Smith; grandchildren, Wyatt Anderson (Meg), John Brady Anderson, Julia Anderson, Nicholas Hane, Claiborne Hane (Jessica), Anna Sullivan (Josh), Morgan Robison and great-grandchildren, Max Smith, Tucker and Ford Sullivan.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for his caregivers, Stephanie Wade, Shirley Everett Wimbush, Chris and Maurice Parent, Dorothy Wells, Shirley Stockton and Marquita Rucker who provided tender loving care for our dad.
The funeral service will be held at Horsepasture Christian Church on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Cuthbertson officiating. Prior to the funeral, the family will receive visitors from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Horsepasture Christian Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory is serving the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
