William "Bill" H. Smith

William “Bill” H. Smith

December 1939 – October 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” H. Smith, who passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the age of 86, at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Bill was surrounded by ‘his girls’ and family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Early Life

Bill, as he was known to all, was born on December 29th in the District of Columbia to George and Charlotte Smith. He grew up in Pulaski, New York until he was eight years old when his family moved to Rochester, New York. He attended West Irondequoit High School (Go Indians!) and Rochester Institute of Technology, where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering.

Throughout his life, Bill was known as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend with an avid passion for all things baseball.

Family and Loved Ones

Bill married Joy Uthe on January 21, 1967. Together, they shared almost 60 years of happiness and love. From Rochester, they followed the family to North Carolina to enjoy their retirement years filled with family, the beach, baseball and travel.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Joy, Daughters: Noel Stevens (Ron), Kirsti Reives (Michael) and Amanda Amyot (Kevin), Grandchildren: Robert and Haley Bovee, Carleigh Amyot and Kyle Amyot.

He is also survived by his siblings: Charlotte Mills, George Smith (Kathie), John Smith (Joanne), Mary Sayers, Debbie Purtell, James Smith (Nancy), brother-in-law Robert Uthe (Marie) and many other nieces, nephews and extended family. He also leaves behind many friends and neighbors who loved him and treasured his friendship.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents George and Charlotte Smith, as well as his sister Patricia Robinson.

A Life Well Lived

Bill dedicated his life to his family and early in his career worked at Rochester Telephone Company, followed by 34 years as an electrical engineer at Xerox. He had a passion for skiing, served as a boy scout leader, loved camping with family and friends, enjoyed hunting with his buddies and was an avid softball player well into his 80s. Bill was also a veteran of the United States Army.

Those who knew Bill will remember him as a loving husband to “his girl” Joy, a devoted father to his three daughters, doting grandpa and a friend who was respected and loved by everyone who knew him.

Funeral or Memorial Service

In following Bill’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks in North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or another organization focused on Dementia research to support those continuing to be impacted by these diseases.

A Final Tribute

Though Bill is no longer with us, his love, memories, and legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Rest in peace, Bill, Dad, Grandpa. You will be forever loved and deeply missed.