William Ira Smith

It is with great sadness that the family William Ira Smith (Bill) 92-year-old disabled veteran announces his passing on 01/28/2024 after a brief but serious illness, at his home surrounded, by his daughter, Tara, and Grandson, Maxwell.

Bill will be missed by his Daughter Tara Lyn Smith, and her four children, Samantha Grimes, Krista Smith, Alyssa Smith, and Maxwell Smith, and his great grandchildren Samantha’s daughter Evelyn; and Krista’s children Harlyn, and Levi.

Bill Loved his daughter, Grandchildren and his great grandchildren, and many friends he considered family, and they loved him. Especially his best friends he called “The Four Musketeers”.

Born January 4, 1932, in Atlanta, GA. Bill was the son of John Henry Smith, an Atlanta police officer and a well-known magician; and Edith Barry, who moved from Newport, RI to the south (Atlanta) to marry Bill’s dad, and who became a southern lady. At one time, Bill’s dad had a warehouse full of magic tricks and magical illusions, given to him by Coca-Cola Magnate, Asa Candler, because Bill’s dad taught Mr. Candler how to become a Magician.

Bill was from a military family. Bill’s Dad, John - Navy; his older brother, Richard – Air force; his middle brother, David – Navy; and Bil himself - Navy, Marines, and Air Force: All three honorably discharged.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, father, both brothers, and his beloved wife Barbara.

Bill was very active for several years in the United States Jaycees and because of his activity and contributions to the Jaycees was recognized as a United States Jaycees Senator, and honorary position that includes lifetime membership in the Jaycees.

Bill loved Tennis and was both a Player and Official – Referee and Umpire. As a kid, he played tennis with his dad and brothers; he played high school tennis at Bass High School; college tennis at Georgia State University, where he also earned his Bachelor of Business Administration; and earned a USTA seniors Ranking for several years.

He would have had several years 30+ as a USTA and ITA Official, but his playing and officiating was cut short by a “mysterious” blood and bone disease which neither test or physicians have decided what has caused the loss of blood for the last few years. Along with stage 4 kidney disease/ failure.

Bill and his beloved and devoted wife Barbara loved to travel. They visited many countries in Europe and friends with whom they corresponded with especially in England. They took Tara with them on lots of their travels, especially to Hawaii, several times. They took cruises on the Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean Oceans, and especially enjoyed the Alaskan cruise where they walked on icebergs. They visited almost every state in the United States, missing only a few. They loved to travel and see the world.

Bill was a very active member for several years at Lakeland FUMC and attended the Vanguard class. He loved to read or recite the verses being used for the SS Class. He participated in lots of Bible study classes along with many of his very good friends. He enjoyed reading and studying the bible many times over his entire life of 92 years.

Bill loved building things made from wood and refurbished furniture for his family and friends. Many furniture items and pieces in his home were made by Bill or one of Bill’s family members to be passed down. One of Bill’s prideful projects he made was an owl house made from wood for his wife, Barbara. She loved owls and hung the owl house Bill made for her high up in the backyard tree, where there is/was an owl living in it. He also enjoyed working in his yard and planting flowers (definitely had a green thumb).

The Reverend Riley Short and Reverend Andy Whitaker Smith will officiate at the funeral and celebrations of Bill’s life on Friday, 3/08/2024 at 1:30pm at the First United Methodist Church. Located at 72 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801. A reception in the Narthex will follow.