Bill J. Smith

He was born October 10, 1934 in Knox County. Bill and his wife Lena were married July 30, 1954 and moved to Greeneville in 1958. He was employed by the R. V. Emery Company, where he and Lena worked side-by-side for nearly 30 years.

Bill was well known as a person of honesty and integrity. He was truly a man of genuine Christian character. He was well loved by all who worked with him and many customers as well.

Bill was a charter member of Tusculum Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.

His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Bill was an avid University of Tennessee sports fan. He and Lena cherished time spent with friends in Greeneville.

“One or the other must leave; One or the other must stay. One or the other must grieve, that is forever the way. That is the vow that was sworn, faithful ‘til death do us part. Braving what had to be borne, hiding the ache in the heart. One, howsoever adored, first must be summoned away. That is the will of the Lord, one or the other must stay.”

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years: Lena Sams Smith; son and daughter-in-law: Dr. Russell J. and Amanda Smith; granddaughters: Sarah Adams and husband Michael, and Stephanie Kate Smith of Maryville; step grandchildren: Madeleine Shell and Hayden Shell of Maryville; brother-in-law: Rev. Raymond Young of Maryville; sister-in-law: Ruth Parker of Clinton, Tennessee; brother-in-law: Ernie Sams of Walland, Tennessee; nephews: Edward (Sonny) Smith, Rev. Phil Young, Stanley Parker, Carl Earnest Sams, Carl Ray Sams, and Steve Parker; and nieces: Brenda Jenkins, Debbie Anderson, Vicky Sams Schoonover, and Cheryl Hajdun.

He was the son of the late Ross Wilson Smith and Myrtle Shelby Smith of Knoxville and was preceded in death by a brother: Rev. Edward W. Smith and wife Helen; sister: Bonnie Young; brother-in-law: Carl Sams; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Dock Carl and Myrtle Sams.

The family wishes to express a special gratitude to his caregiver, Ramona Darnell.

The family will receive friends from 4pm-7pm Thursday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

Following visitation, the funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Phil Young officiating.

Times for the interment will be announced later.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.