Wilburn W Smith

Hillsboro Beach - Wilburn “Will” Warren Smith, 77, departed this earth on Monday, August 21st, 2017, surrounded by his family at Trustbridge Boca Care Center in Boca Raton, following a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Jean Smith, his daughters Cindy Smith, Cherill Smith, Michelle Quader and husband Glenn, his grandchildren, James Parker, Kaila Parker, Cashea Arnett and husband Ford, Kristin Neff, and Kelsi Smith along with many relatives and close friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Mark Smith.

Born on February 11th, 1940 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, son of Lucy Pfeiffer and Warren Smith, Will was raised on a farm in New Mexico. Self driven, he worked hard and saved his money in order to put himself through college. Will attended New Mexico State, and completed his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at New York University.

A member of the research team at Bell Labs, Will was one of the inventors of the world’s first transistor, revolutionizing the world of electronics. As a Founder of Smith-Gardner & Associates/Ecometry, Will pioneered software systems in the mail order industry for some of the world’s largest companies. His steadfast vision led to his company to tremendous heights; eventually appearing as a publicly traded stock on NASDAQ.

As a devoted husband, he mostly enjoyed traveling, dancing and family time. He was a pillar of strength as a father and grandfather, in which he provided loving guidance and ensured continuous support. In his spare time, he would listen to music while his innovative wheels turned, as he continued to invent, design and create new projects. He was an active member in his community of Hillsboro Beach, where he generously supported many local charities, and also held the appointment as president of his residential board.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017, 12:00pm at Forest Lawn North Funeral Home & Cemetery 200 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064.

In lieu of flowers donations, in memory will be received by NE Focal Point Senior Care Center located at 227 NW 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, or Trustbridge Boca Care Center located at 1531 W Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Pompano Beach, FL.