Bill Tucker Smith - (also known as Sweet William by some)

Bill was born in Davie County, NC. On May 7, 1924 and departed this earth on October 12, 2014.

He resided in Leland at the time of his death. He lived in Advance, NC for most of his life. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, McKinley Smith and Gracie McBride Smith; two sisters, Margaret Ronman, Alfreida Smith; and one brother, Felix Smith. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Ocie Geraldine Smith who died in 1989. He is preceded in death by his live-in companion, Janet Nye Burdick who died in 2011. He is preceded in death by one grand-son, Russell Nelson Smith who died in 2009.

He has three children; Two daughters, Faye Carpenter & husband John; Nancy Elliott, both from Leland, NC. One son, Felix McKinley Smith & wife Linda from Ellicott City, Md. He has 6 grand-children: Billy Brannon & wife Theresa of Leland; Cassandra Christensen & husband Tom of Los Angeles, Ca.; Brittany Smith of Pittsburgh, Pa; Douglas Smith of Ellicott City, Md.; Russell Smith-deceased; and Austin Elliott of Western Carolina University. He has 3 great-grand- children; Mirranda Brannon of U. S. Navy stationed at Norfolk, Va.; Joshua Brannon of Leland; and Carter McKinley Christensen of Los Angeles, Ca.

At the age of 18 he was in the 798 ANPI Aircraft unit of the Army from March 12, 1943 until March 7, 1946. In 1945 he met the love of his life in West Virginia, Ocie Geralding Nelson. On May 3, 1947 they were married in North Carolina. They then moved to West Virginia. He worked in the coal mines for many years where he developed black lung. Later, they moved to Everett, Washington where he worked at a saw mill during the Alaska Pipe Line Project, there he also helped run our small family restaurant. He then returned his family to North Carolina and again to West Virginia. In 1963 the family moved to College Park, Maryland. There he worked as a foreman for a general utilities company. Finally, settling back on the land right where he was born in 1924. Bill was loved by all he met. He was always kind, humble, and gentle to others. He never wanted to harm anyone in word or deed. He was a hard-worker and provided for his family. He loved children and they loved him as well. He loved his Pro Wrestling and watching Atlanta Braves play baseball. Playing cards was one of his true loves. He would play all night long, no matter what game of cards, but he was partial to Canasta. His family enjoyed playing double solitaire towards the end of his life even if we rarely won. Bill Tucker Smith was always the CHAMP in cards. In our hearts he will always be our CHAMPION.

Interment: 1PM, October 16, 2014 in Hartwell Cemetery, Hartwell, W.Va.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, 315 Willow Woods Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409