William "Bill" Henry Smiley III

William “Bill” Henry Smiley III (Hebrew name Avram Zagoren) was born August 4, 1954, to Sylvia and William “Hank” Smiley II in Oklahoma City, OK, then the family relocated temporarily to Midland, Texas where he attended Robert E. Lee High School, graduating with the class of 1972. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and is survived by one brother, John of Oklahoma City.

Bill studied and earned a masters degree in music education from the University of Texas in Austin. He also took classes at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, as well as Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, and the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Later in his life, Bill also studied and earned degrees in Spanish and French at Oklahoma City Community College.

Bill began his teaching career in vocal music at Ninnekah High School (1985-1986) as well as Midwest City High School (1986-1987) before making his longest career move to Bridge Creek High School (1987-2011). He also taught and tutored at Oklahoma City Community College and Upward Bound (2001-2019).

In addition to being a teacher, Bill was also an author, a composer, a licensed counselor, and even an ordained minister who officiated at many wedding ceremonies over the years. As one who appreciated the spoken and written word, Bill studied French, Hebrew, and Spanish and could converse casually in many other languages as well. He loved all animals, especially Boston Terriers, including his last surviving “Honey.”

Bill also enjoyed his studies of the Hebrew faith and spent many an hour working on his over 300 page opera based on the book of Esther from the Old Testament. The challenge she received can be found in Esther 4:14, and it may very well be the one that Bill accepted for himself. “Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” Cherished for his character, compassion, generosity, musical ingenuity, and wisdom, Bill changed the lives of thousands and inspired just as many to achieve their dreams.