William Monroe "Bill" Smith

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William Monroe "Bill" Smith, 85, died Thursday, May 5, 2014. Born April 7, 1929, in Lenoir, N.C., he was the third son of the late Robert Marvin Smith Sr. and Mamie LeFevre Smith. He graduated in 1951 from Duke University, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in political science. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, rising to the rank of sergeant first class. In 1954, he accepted a position with Freeman Millwork Co. in Manning. By the time of his retirement in 1988, he was executive vice-president.  

His retirement years were the happiest and most fulfilling of his life, having devoted them to service to his family, his church and his beloved community - Manning. He had a devoted and loving family whom he cherished all of his life. He joined Manning United Methodist Church in 1954, serving in the chancel choir for 60 years and as church treasurer for 25 years.

On March 14, 1999, he was honored with "William M. Smith Appreciation Sunday."

A proclamation by Manning Mayor Jerry Robertson and a plaque from the church were presented at the Sunday morning worship service.

On May 7, 2006, he was again honored by his church with "Bill Smith Day."

 

Mr. Smith was active on many committees throughout the years, not only in his church, but also in the community. He served on the Harvin Clarendon County Library board; was a founding member of Clarendon County Habitat for Humanity; was a Paul Harris Fellow of Manning Rotary Club; and was a past member of the Manning Jaycees. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a committee member for the establishment of the Clarendon County Archives.

He was named Citizen of the Year in 1977 by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce and the first "King of Hearts" at the Valentine Ball of 1977 by Clarendon County Habitat for Humanity. Devoted to his family, his God and his beloved community of Manning, Bill was greatly loved by all with whom he came in contact. He was an avid bridge player and enjoyed teaching others the game he loved so much.

 

 Surviving are greatly loved family members, a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Smith Grigg; a niece, Melissa Hutson Dean; great-nieces Melissa "Lalio" Rosario Pereyo (Roberto) and Leah Courtney Sin (Richard); great-nephews Christopher "Kit" William Borras (Amy) and William "Will" Michael Gehrman; great-great-nieces Riley and Piper Borras; and great-great-nephews, Colton and Aidan Pereyo and Sullivan Sin, all of whom were like his children and grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert "Bob" Marvin Smith Jr. (Helen Porter), Jack Courtney Smith (Helen Turner) and Harold "Tex" Lenoir Smith (Jeanette Kincaid); two sisters, Juanita Smith Johnston (Jesse) and Helen "Smitty" Smith Hutson; and a beloved niece, Christopher Hutson Cohen.

 

A celebration of the life of William Monroe "Bill" Smith will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2014, at Manning United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. James C. Adams officiating, assisted by Rev. Debra Quilling Smith and Rev. Dr. Steve Shugart.

 

Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014, in the fellowship hall of Manning United Methodist Church.

 

Memorials may be made to the Capital Campaign Fund of Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102.

 

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org