William Smithers

24, 2018) at the Maplewood Healthcare & Rehab Center in Canton NY surrounded by his loving family. As per his request there will be no funeral services.

Surviving are his children William Smithers Jr. of Hammond, Peter Smithers of Dexter, NY and Jody Smithers of Watertown; step children Michael Blodgett of Tucson, AZ, Sue Blodgett & her husband Andy Lenssen of Ames, IA and Marty Blodgett of Ithaca, NY, Patricia Martin of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Lorien Beaulieu & her husband Andy, Erik Smithers, Matthew Smithers, Melissa Smithers, Chelsey Smithers, Hannah Smithers, Thea Blodgett-Gallahan, and Susie Lenssen; Six great-grandchildren and a niece Myra McAllister.

A son, John Smithers and two brothers Keith & Robert Smithers predeceased him.

Bill was born on November 21, 1930 in Ogdensburg, a son of the late Lysle & Grace (Parks) Smithers. He graduated from Heuvelton High School and later received a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Lawrence University in Theology. He married Jessie McCauley which later ended in divorce, and was then married to Mary Blodgett who predeceased him. He then married Gayle Chapman who also predeceased him.

In 1950 he began his ministry work caring for the churches in North Lawrence, Colton, Lisbon, Gloversville and Syracuse until 1968 when he began teaching at Fulton Montgomery Community College as a professor of Sociology until he retired in 1992.

Bill moved to Las Cruces, NM following his retirement, where he lived for the next 25 years. He was a master bridge player, a member of the Las Cruces Bridge Club, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King and was active in the Civil Rights Movement. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, long distance running and spending time with his family.

Condolences and fond memories can also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.