On December 17, 2023, William "Bill" Smith, Jr., peacefully left this earth to go home be with this Lord & Savior. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 26.1938, the late William Smith, Sr., and Louise Bledsoe.

He attended Douglas Elementary, St. Peter Claver Catholic School, and graduated from Dunbar High School, where he participated in ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps.). A commissioned officer, he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church for more than 60 years. Upon his profession of faith, he was baptized April 21, 1963, under the services of Pastor R.H. Johnson. His faith services included his labor as a member of the Usher Board, Bus Ministry, Feeding Ministry, Music Ministry, and the Brotherhood. Ordained as a Deacon of the church by Elder D.J. ward, he served diligently for many years -- serving until his health prevented him. He also served as a maintenance employee of Main Street Baptist Church Manor. Further, his many years of employment included the American Tobacco Company, The Courier Journal, Carolina Steel, and O'Neal Steel--from which he retired as a sheet metal worker. He was united in holy matrimony to Nelda Tolbin and to their union, five children were born. William was also preceded in death by son --William (Patrice) Smith; and brother -- William Steven Smith. With loving memories, he leaves one daughter -- Tracy Smith (Los, Angeles, CA); sons -- Vance (Inez) Smith (Hamilton, VA), Anthony (Gayla) Smith (Lexington, KY), and Christopher (Shelia) Smith (Lexington, KY), 11 grandchildren; 2-great-grandchildren; three sisters -- Frances McDowell (Lexington, KY); Bettye Malone (Louisville, KY), and Joyce Jeter --his primary caregiver (Louisville, KY); nieces and nephews; a host of cousins; friends; and church family,

Graveside services for William R. Smith will be held  December 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in our Garden of Everlasting Life.

Smith & Smith Funeral Home, Lexington, is in charge of arrangements.