William Smith

William Henry Smith, Jr., 80, of 120 Gloucester Avenue died on December 15, 2008 at his daughter's home. Born on September 30, 1928, the son of William Henry Smith, Sr., and Florence S. Smith, he lived his entire life in Danville. Educated in the Danville Public Schools, Mr. Smith served a tour of duty with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On March 19, 1951, he married Ramona Page Nichols Smith, who died on February 17, 2002. Known affectionately by his colleagues as "Pappy," he was until his retirement in 1988 employed by the City of Danville Fire Department as a drill instructor. Throughout his career, he received numerous commendations and awards for meritorious service, and upon his retirement he had attained the rank of captain. He was a charter member of North Main Baptist Church, and also a member of the Roman Eagle Masonic Lodge, the Order of the Scottish Rite, and the Shriners. He is survived by his three children, Gary Charles Smith of Durham, NC; Kathy Smith Thomas and her husband, Butch of Danville; and William Henry (Chip) Smith, III and his wife, Barbara of Lillington, NC; five grandchildren, Candice Smith Matthis of Christiansburg, V A, Kristen Page Thomas of Baltimore, MD, Jonathan Brett Thomas of Danville, Angela Devin Smith of Virginia Beach, and William Tyler Smith of Lillington, NC; three great-grandchildren, Evan Parker Matthis, William Garrett Matthis and Ella Catherine Matthis, all of Christiansburg, VA; by his sisters, Mary Jane Smith Wickre of Emporia, V A, and Barbara Smith Yeatts of Danville; and by four nephews. A memorial service of thanksgiving to God for Mr. Smith's life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, from the chapel of Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Home, 703 North Main Street, by the Reverend Mr. Lewis Eugene Wall. A private service of interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers those desiring to do so can make contributions in memory of Mr. Smith to the Blairs Fire and Rescue Squad, Post Office Box 242, Blairs, VA 24527. The family will receive friends at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Seldon M. Thomas, Jr. 2860 Blairmont Drive, Danville, VA.

William Smith

September 30, 1928 - December 15, 2008