William Ronald Smith was born May 11, 1936 on his family’s farm along the Jacks Fork River in Eminence, Missouri, the son of Clarence and Stella Mabel Smith. He departed this life on February 28, 2021, in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 84.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mabel Smith and his daughter, Cammi Michelle Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Smith; daughter, Linda Sepac of Camdenton, MO; son, William Scott Smith of Los Angeles, CA; two stepdaughters, Janet Barrett and Michelle Smith of Eminence, MO; five grandchildren, Ginger Salmons, Jake Smith, Wendy Smith, Faith Barrett and Hayden Barrett; two great-grandchildren, Tristan Salmons and Brooklyn Salmons; one sister, Alice Ferguson of Eminence, MO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.
Bill grew up on his family farm along the Jacks Fork River and graduated from high school in Eminence, Missouri. He entered the U.S. Army in 1958 and was in the 101st Airborne Division. Prior to his retirement in 1999, he worked for many years as an ironworker. He later married Patsy Smith on June 22, 2000 in Eminence, Missouri.
Bill enjoyed working with the animals on the farm and tending his garden. One of his passions was riding horses. He spent many years working as a trail boss at the Cross Country Trail Ride and was one of the founding members of the Missouri Wild Horse League. He and his wife, Patsy, spent many days taking long rides along the trails in Shannon County.
Bill was most proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to their ball games, hunting with them, and looked forward to deer season every year. Bill was loved by so many and will be extremely missed. Anyone that was lucky enough to be his friend, was indeed truly blessed.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 in New Eminence Cemetery with Pastor Randy Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
