William B. Smith Jr., of Frisco, Texas, formerly of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the age of 76.
Will was born on January 10, 1946, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, to William B. Smith Sr. and Hazel Garner Smith. He was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. Will started his college education at UNC Chapel Hill. He proudly answered his call to duty and served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He later graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta in 1972 and was a longtime Yellow Jackets supporter. Will started his career at Carrier Corporation and held positions in sales and marketing over his 36 years there. A dedicated employee, from his beginning as a Sales Engineer through his positions as an International Sales Manager and Director of Commercial Marketing, until his retirement as Director of National Accounts, his strength was interacting with people at all levels and successfully serving their needs. His work took him all over the US, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico and he loved visiting new places and getting to know the people from all cultures and walks of life.
In 1977 he married the love of his life, Deborah Jacob in Syracuse, New York, and they’ve spent the last 45 years enjoying their life together raising their daughter Courtney, traveling, boating, and caring for their beloved golden retrievers.
Will was a man of faith. He loved worshipping with his family and singing hymns at Mass. Everyone will remember him as a kind man with an easygoing way and generous spirit. He touched everyone he met with his easy smile and charming ways. His positive attitude was infectious. You could always find him engaged in conversation with someone he just met like they were old friends.
He enjoyed the outdoors and loved landscaping and puttering in the yard. He loved sailing and being on the water. Cooking, golfing, relaxing at the beach, and most especially dancing with his wife were some of his favorite activities. Being with his family brought him the most joy.
Will is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Smith; his daughter Courtney House and her husband, Dustin; and his granddaughter, Josephine House.
He is also survived by his son, Ashton Smith; daughter Stephanie Bissell and her husband, Howard; his grandchildren Ward, Burns, and Owen Bissell; and his brother, Keith Smith.
Will is preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Hazel Smith.
The Memorial Service will be held at Berkshire Chapel, 9073 Berkshire Drive, Frisco, Texas, on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
The family asks that you consider making a donation in Will’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org or American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org