William A Bill Smith, of Belton, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He was 91 years old. Bill was born to William Arthur Smith Sr. and Willie Mae Taylor, on July 19, 1934, in Dallas, Texas.

Bill and Perry fell in love young. He graduated from Sunset High in Dallas in 1951; however she was set to graduate from Adamson High in Dallas in 1953. While he waited for her, he attended Baylor University, hitchhiking back to Dallas whenever he could to see her. He later transferred to what is now the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. When they married in 1954, she joined him there. After a time as a Baptist Minister, he became a “Tire Man” at Sears to better financially support his by then growing family. Over his career with Sears, he advanced to Automotive Center Manager and was considered the regional trouble shooter – being sent all over Texas and Louisiana to “fix” failing stores. He eventually left Sears and spent some time managing the TG&Y Stores in Belton and Lampasas. Following that, he travelled the state for a number of years selling welding equipment, mostly to schools and farmers/ranchers. From that, he got to know a fair number of teachers and changed careers again to dedicate himself to become a Financial Advisor and help teachers invest and plan for their retirement. Perry passed away in 2016, and a few years later Bill met Sumiko, with whom he spent the last few years of his life.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Perry Arlene Smith (Barton); parents, William Arthur Smith Sr. and Willie Mae Taylor; sisters, Sandra Reeves, Sheila Silva, and Madonna Jean Smith; and brother, Arthur Smith.

Left to cherish his memory is his partner, Sumiko Brown; son, Douglas Smith (Velma); daughter, Cynthia Smith (Mike Gladu); sister, Jane Rumfield; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Bill’s family invites friends and family to join them for a time of visitation on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. Following the funeral service, Bill will be laid to rest at Rest Haven Cemetery in Belton, Texas.

Bill’s family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Aspen Hospice and Our Hospice House, for their remarkable professionalism and care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Hospice House in Belton, Texas, 254-500-7123.