William Walter “Bill” Smith Jr., 81, passed from this earthly life on Thursday, December 7, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born May 31, 1942 in Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, New York to Ruth Rice Weaver.

He was educated at St. Paul’s School, Norwich High School and Northeast Louisiana University. The Norwich Fire Department was especially dear to him as he served as a firefighter and medic. He later served on the volunteer fire department in Tullos, LA.

Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. He was a nuclear ammunition specialist. He served in Vietnam and Germany. He had a long career in offshore oil production as a foreman working in the Gulf of Mexico.

While serving in the Air Force, he met Martha Huffman, the love of his life, and they married. Their union produced three daughters. He loved to travel especially to his home in New York state to visit family. His hobbies were traveling, breeding and showing champion wire fox terriers, and cooking. He was active in the Wire Fox Terrier Club of America (former member of board of governors) and Central States Wire Fox Terrier Club. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joys of his life.

Arrangements for a memorial service were incomplete at press time on Monday, however, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, Ruston, LA.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Martha Huffman Smith; parents, Gerald and Ruth Weaver; brother, Michael Weaver; grandson, Hart DeVille; great-grandchildren, Tristan Boyd, Noah Newsom and Emily Katherine Newsom; and lifelong family best friend Mike Kane.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Smith Newsom (Keith), Rebecca Helton (Robert) and Shelly DeVille (Brent); grandchildren, Karley Broussard (Connor), Kyra DeVille, Kramer Newsom (Lauren) and Eli DeVille; great grandchildren, Charli DeVille, Lexi Boyd, Knox Newsom, Denton Broussard and Baker Broussard.