William Wray Smith, 81, of South Charleston, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, February 13, 2022, at home after a massive heart attack.
After graduating from high school, Bill worked for several years in construction for various businesses. He started his own construction company in 1970, working on several commercial projects in the Kanawha Valley. He was a 50-year member of the Operating Engineers Local 132. Operating heavy equipment was his passion and he loved the outdoors. After retirement, he started wood working as a hobby and for several years attended various craft shows. He accepted Christ as his Savior when he was in his twenties and he lived a godly life. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church for over 40 years, where he served as trustee and choir member. For the past several years, he was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church where he also loved singing in the choir. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lillian Gillispie Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Delores; three children, Billy (Michelle) Smith, Cheryl (Clint) Elswick, and Karen Smith; four grandchildren, Caleb (Jessica) Elswick, Courtney (Justin) Bailey, Cara and Cami Elswick; three great grandchildren, Lilly and Jacob Elswick and Declan Bailey.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Jesse Waggoner officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston.
Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 17, 2022, and 1 hour prior to the funeral on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Mission, 700 S Park Rd Ste 1ST, Charleston, WV 25304.
Mr. Smith was a kind man always worked hard didn’t know him very well but he was very special man. Prayers for his family.
We have known Bill for many years and are sadden by his passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time. John Strickland, Joe Hill, and employees of Maynard C. Smith Construction Company, Inc.
Please know how sorry I am for the loss of your beloved William. He was a wonderful person and a great classmate of the 1958 SCHS class. We so enjoyed our Christmas class luncheons at your home for several years. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Delores: We are so saddened to learn of William Wray’s death. We love you and want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. We so enjoyed your visit with us and had looked forward to seeing you all again. Again we love you, and you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Forbes and family, Judy Hughes, and Tracie Shelton-Powers
Delores, I am praying for you and your family. There is peace knowing you will see your Bill again. The Lord will give you the strength during this difficult time.
Delores, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Robin