William "Bill" E. Smith

William “Bill” E. Smith, 64

On Saturday, September 17^th, 2022, William “Bill” E. Smith, loving husband of Jennifer A. Smith, passed away at the age of 64.

Bill was born on March 4^th, 1958, in Lafayette, Indiana to Glen B. and June D. (Lewis) Smith. He was raised in Chillicothe, Ohio; Texarcana, Texas; and Terre Haute, IN. He received his High School diploma from Terre Haute High School in 1976. He then attended Hyles Anderson College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and Pastoral Theology in 1980. There, he met the love of his life, Jennifer (Olson) Smith, to whom he was married on June 2^nd, 1979. He loyally dedicated the next 43 years of his life to her. Later, Bill continued his education by working towards and achieving his Associates Degree in American Sign Language from Vincennes University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.  Shortly thereafter, in 2018, he completed his bachelor’s degree for Interpreting for the Deaf through IUPUI. He was immensely proud of his achievements and showed everyone that even later in your life, you can always switch course and follow a new dream.

Bill was an epic, creative, brilliant, hilarious, relatable, and subsequently impactful teacher to many students over the years at First Baptist Church and Christian School (Rosemont, MN) and Eagledale Christian School (Indianapolis, IN). He stole students’ hearts and shaped their minds. This was his main passion, and it was evident. For him, teaching was more than relaying information. It was a true gift that he worked to pass on to his own children. Upon his death, one of his former students (now an adult) stated, “Hands down, he was one of the best teachers I ever had, if not THE best. He was one that you had in a school career that really left an impression.”

Bill sacrificed so much for his four daughters: Leah (Rose), Laura (Spicer), Lindsey (Passis), and Leilah Smith. He was the kind of father other kids wished they had. He led the family with humor, creativity, and (sometimes) hairbrained ideas. Oh, the laughs that they had! He did his utmost to guide and protect them in the best ways he knew how. He showed up for every concert and always cheered his daughters on like a fool, even when he had to have known they missed a few notes. He made sure they knew he loved them even when he knew they made mistakes, whether great or small. With limited resources, he took them on many adventures across the country, including South Dakota, Wyoming, Duluth, and Boston. He was always tinkering on a car to save the family money and taught them basic car maintenance so they would never find themselves stranded. He made sure they learned extra-curricular instruments, independence and self-sufficiency, and stayed on top of their education. He taught his daughters that God and family are the most important things in life. His loyalty and love for Jenni and his daughters was unparalleled.

For the past 27 years, Bill worked as a manager for the law firm: Advance America. His loyalty and work ethic were unmatched. He is irreplaceable to the firm.

In the last few years prior to his death, Bill completed his degree in ASL, and had the opportunity to interpret in a school environment for children with special needs. Of course, he did more than that. He assisted the students with whom he was paired in learning far beyond just what the teachers were communicating. He formed bonds with them that will impact them in positive ways for many years to come.

Bill Smith was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife, his four daughters, grandchildren (Gavyn, Corinna, Luke, and Charlotte Hahn); (Maurah, Atticus “Gus”, and Marlow Spicer); and Penelope Passis. He also leaves behind his brother (Greg Smith); sister (Terri Shaw); and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and so many friends who knew him, heard his great dad jokes, were touched by his loyal, tender-hearted ways, and will miss him dearly.

A service will be held at Flanner Buchanan – Floral Park, 425 N. Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN on Thursday, September 29^th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with a viewing preceding this from 11:00 a.m. until the service is held.