William “Bill” Alexander Smith passed away Sept. 1 at his home in Coquille with his family at his side.

Bill was born April 25, 1933, in Miller, Kansas, to William Leroy and Gertrude (Parks) Smith.

Bill’s family moved to Lakeview in 1942, settling in the Westside area. He attended both the Union and Vernon schools. After completing the eighth grade, he went to work driving tractor for Elmo Angele. He later went to work at the Lakeview Co-op as a grain grader and parts man.
Bill married the love of his life, Carol Herrin, in Lakeview on Sept. 6, 1958. To this marriage was born two children, a daughter, Zaneta, and a son, Kevin. Bill and family moved to Burns in 1972 to manage the Farm Supply Store. He retired from Ranch and Home in 1994. In 2001, Bill and Carol moved to Coquille to be closer to the ocean and the beach.

After his retirement, Bill was happiest working in his yard. In his earlier years, he was an avid rock hunter. He was a charter member and the first president of the Mile High Rock Rollers Club. He was instrumental in organizing the first rock swap meet in Lakeview. Bill was a member of the Lakeview Eagles Lodge and the Burns Elks Lodge. He loved catfishing, camping, going to the ocean, and above all, his family and spending time with his grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Zaneta; sons, Kevin and Ross; grandsons, Nathan, Nicholas, Nick, and Gabriel; sister, Barbara; and brother, Bruce.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William L. and Gertrude Smith; sisters, Sarah Meisner and Juanita Hunt; brother, David L. Smith; and nephew, Jan Meisner.

At his request, no funeral services will be held. Private cremation rites were held at Ocean View Memory Gardens in Coos Bay.

Donations in his memory may be made to the South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Road in Coos Bay, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com 
 

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