William “Bill” J. Smith Jr. passed away at the Sheridan County Health Complex, Hoxie, Kansas on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at the age of eighty-three. Bill was born July 13, 1936 in Gorham, Kansas to Will and Nora (Resley) Smith. He was the youngest of six children. Bill attended Gorham Elementary and High School graduating with the class of 1954. After graduation from high school, he attended Fort Hays State University graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. Bill and Arlene Hemel were married March 9, 1958 and just recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They were blessed with a daughter, Tonya. After Graduating from college, Bill taught Industrial Arts, Driver’s Education and coached. The first seven years of his career were spent in various schools before Bill and Arlene moved to Hoxie, Kansas in August of 1966. Hoxie became their home. Bill spent thirty-five years teaching Industrial Arts and Driver’s Education for USD 412, Hoxie, Kansas.
Bill was a man of many talents. He was an excellent teacher, and his students made many beautiful woods projects. Many will remember him not only as a high school teacher, but he also taught adult classes. He always expected his students to do their best. Bill loved sports. He was a baseball player in his youth, and as a teacher, he coached football and basketball. After coaching, for several years, he refereed basketball for twenty-five years and football for thirty-four years. He loved going to his grandchildren’s activities, especially, their baseball and softball games. When Tonya was growing up, they always went to at least one major league baseball game. Bill was a St. Louis Cardinals and Royals Fan plus a big supporter of KU. When he wasn’t watching sports or teaching, he enjoyed music. He sang in the Hoxie United Methodist Church Choir for many years, sang for funerals and weddings.
Most of all, Bill loved his family. They were so important to him. He has been a member of the Hoxie United Methodist Church since moving to Hoxie in 1966. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and tried to live a life reflecting his love. Bill was a kind and patient person who gave respect to all.
Bill is survived by his wife, Arlene of the home; daughter, Tonya Sager and husband, Alan; grandchildren, Cory Sager and wife, Molly, Braden Sager and wife, Shelby, and Darby Sager; and great-grandchild, Emma Rose Sager with two more on the way; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Nora Smith; sister, Berniece Hoke; brothers, Lawrence Smith, LeRoy Smith, Fred Smith and Dean Smith.
A Graveside Service is planned for Saturday, March 28, 2020, 1:00 P.M. at the Hoxie City Cemetery with Pastor Jake Schadel presiding. A visitation will be held Friday, March 27, 2020 from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas.
Bill was a man of faith and has been welcomed into Jesus Christ’s loving arms. He will be missed by family and friends. We are sad because he had to leave us for a while but look forward to the time when all will be reunited.