Born Nov. 13, 1932, in Cathlamet, Washington, William Eugene “Bill” Smith passed away on Oct. 11, 2022, peacefully at his in home in Ocean Springs, surrounded by those he loved at the age of 89.
Bill was a 1950 graduate of Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, Washington. He enlisted in the Navy and was enormously proud of the time he spent on the USS Hamner DD-718, a Gearing Class Destroyer during the Korean War. His shipmates were very dear to him, and he stayed connected with them his entire life.
On June 8, 1957, Bill married Diane Marie Chorba, the love of his life. They moved to Olympia, Washington where he started his 30+ year career with Continental Can Company, working his way from machinist to Machine Shop Foreman, to Regional Manufacturing Engineer to General Manager of a four-plant manufacturing complex based in Walla Walla, Washington. After retiring from CCC., he and Diane moved to Payette, Idaho where he built a can manufacturing facility for American Fine Foods. He finished his career as a “Can Maker” in Saõ Paulo, Brazil as Manager of Manufacturing for one of the largest can manufacturing companies in South America.
He was proud to be a Shriner and a 32nd Degree Mason as were his father and grandfather before him.
Beyond his love of hunting and fishing he was a man of many talents. He was masterful builder of just about anything and loved to “tinker” with his projects. If something needed fixing, you took it to Bill and he could make it work, usually better than it did before.
After several years of retirement in Aberdeen, Waberdeen, Bill and Diane joined family in the warmer climate of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Bill and Diane were married for 64 years. His presence and deep love for family and friends made all of our lives richer. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Bill was preceded in death by his father William H. Smith; mother Ethel L. Larson and stepfather, John Larson; his son, Scott William and his loving wife, Diane.
He is survived by a son, Timothy Michael Smith (Karen); daughters, Gayle Jones (Steve), Marni Floyd and Kyleen Carpenter; eight Grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
As per Bill’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.
The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., in West Jackson County is proud to serve the Smith family. An online register for viewing and signing is available at www.riemannfamily.com
