Bill was born in Lancaster, Illinois to James Voris Smith and Florence Rose (McCoslin) Smith. He was one of five red-headed brothers: James, Loren, Theron, and Donald. Bill was raised around Allendale and St. Francisville, Illinois.
Bill joined the Navy Seabees and served overseas for 18 months in World War II. In 1950, he went to work at Swift Chemical in Hammond, Indiana. That plant closed after 20 years, and he was sent to Portland, Oregon as Plant Superintendent. In 1968, he retired and moved from Portland to Sarasota, Florida. He married Helen G. Mudrovich in 1970. Bill and Helen enjoyed many old and new friends in Sarasota. They took many overseas trips and cruises. Bill was a Shriner and Sarasota Elks Lodge No. 2495 member. He was also a member of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church.
