William Jerry Smith

William Jerry Smith, son of the late Ocie and Ermie (Housley) Smith, was born February 16, 1933, in Prior, Missouri, and departed this life January 2, 2018, at his home. He was 84 years, 10 months, and 17 days of age.

Bill grew up in Douglas County, Missouri. He was born and raised on his family farm. He attended Mint Springs School with his siblings. He later attended Mountain Grove High School where he met his future wife on the school bus. He married Beverly Morris on July 14, 1950, in Hardy, Arkansas. Four daughters, Gloria Smith, Marilyn Davis, Laurine Litchfield, and Gayle Smith, were born to this union. They were married 49 years. Beverly passed away on November 3, 1999.

Bill and Beverly started their life together in this area then later moved to Kansas City where he worked for General Motors. While on a trip to California in 1960, they decided to move to Sacramento. There they owned and operated West Coast Building Wrecking, Inc. for 35 years. He had been a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, local 3, for over 50 years. Following retirement in 1995, they returned to Missouri. Here Bill enjoyed operating his cattle ranch.

He loved the outdoors and nature, and supported many charitable organizations.

Bill had an extraordinary work ethic. He worked hard his whole life. Despite his poor health, the month before his passing, he was operating his favorite 977K Caterpillar bulldozer clearing his grandson’s land.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was a very generous, compassionate man. He would do anything for his family and will be forever missed.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Beverly, one daughter, Gayle Smith of Sacramento, California, one infant grandson, Trevor Turner of Sacramento, California, and all his siblings.

He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Smith of Prior, Missouri, Laurine Litchfield of Prior, Missouri, and Marilyn Davis of Jacksonville, North Carolina, 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.