Willie Clyde "Bill" Smith, 84, Altus, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the Highland Heights United Methodist Church with Pastor Ayrika Watson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Bill was born on September 1, 1933 to Willie Dee and Viola Beulah (Carter) Smith in Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from Corinth High School in Mississippi in 1951. He enlisted into the United States Air Force on June 4, 1951. It was during this time that Bill met Joyce Ann Thompson and the two were married on November 10, 1956 in Spokane, Washington. He selflessly served for over 20 years and retired as a Master Sergeant on May 1, 1974. Willie was an instructor pilot for single engine aircraft and worked for the First State Bank in Sayre for many years. He attended Highland Heights United Methodist Church and enjoyed flying and golf.
His parents, a daughter, Deborah Abernethy, a grandson, Lyle David Smith, and a daughter-in-law, June Smith, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce, of the home; a daughter, Susan Marie Barnes and husband, Jeffrey; two sons, Jeffrey Dale Smith and Gary Wayne Smith; six grandchildren, Casey (Abernethy) Morford and husband, Pat, Kevin Abernethy, Christopher Barnes and wife, Jeny, Jesan Kaushik and husband, Nage, Michael Barnes and wife, Emily, and Megan Jacobsen and husband, Brandon; and 9 great grandchildren.
Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com