Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Bill Smith

December 13, 2017
Holland, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, December 17, 2017
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Fellowship Reformed Church
2165 W Lakewood Blvd
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9280
Map
Web Site

Service

Monday, December 18, 2017
11:00 AM EST
Fellowship Reformed Church
2165 W Lakewood Blvd
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9280
Map
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Fellowship Reformed Church - Christian Aid Fund
2165 W Lakewood Blvd
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9280
Web Site

Fellowship Reformed Church - Hand2Hand Ministry
2165 W Lakewood Blvd
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-9280
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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William “Bill” Smith died peacefully on Wednesday evening surrounded by his family and friends.

Bill never saw a vegetable he didn’t like or couldn’t grow, and without being cliché, he loved long walks on the beach – usually accompanied by one of his dogs, Luca or Fredo. Bill was the Lance Armstrong of Park Township, minus the steroids but with all of the outfits. His golf game was famous for his “tuches waggle” and long drives. Bill was the original “Science Guy” motivating thousands of young minds during his 31 years as an elementary school teacher to not only reach for the stars, but to understand them.

Bill attended Holland Christian High School and Hope College a long time ago. While teaching in the Grandville Public School System, he attained a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University – which he never spoke of.

After retirement, Bill increased his activity and became a Master Gardener - using his talents in his backyard and while also working for Holland Township. He was an Elder and a Deacon at Fellowship Reformed Church, served for years as a Kid’s Hope mentor; sang in the Holland Chorale, church praise team, and to every bird in his backyard.

We will miss his presence in our lives and never forget the mantra he lived by, which was to “Serve Others”. As a husband, father, son, brother, friend, teacher, gardener, singer, and cyclist – Bill put others before himself.

Bill is survived by his wife of 19 years, Marcia Meoli Smith; his three children Elizabeth Smith of Grand Rapids (best friend, Shanice), Andrew Smith of Holland, Joel and Danielle Smith of Easton, CT; brother Rick and Susan Smith of Holland, and their three children Dan and Tracy Smith of Los Angeles, CA, Hilary Smith of Nashville, TN, and Hannah Smith of Nashville, TN. He is also mourned by Walter and Mary Rottschafer of Zeeland, numerous close friends, and the congregation of Fellowship Reform Church.

Bill was predeceased by his mother Harriett Redder Ruth Smith, A. Charles and Caroline Schaap, and his father Richard W. Smith.

All visitation and services will be held at Fellowship Reform Church located at 2165 West Lakewood Boulevard, Holland, Michigan 49424. The visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:00am. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow the service. Additional information can be viewed at Dykstra Funeral Home, dykstrafuneralhome.com or call (616) 392-2348

*In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Fellowship Reformed Church’s Christian Aid Fund or Hand to Hand Ministry Fund by clicking on www.fellowshipreformed.org/give or sending directly to Fellowship Reformed Church of Holland.