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 </figure>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.

William 'Bill' J. Smith Jr.