William C. Smith Jr,

William C. Smith Jr, 74, of Oyster Creek, TX, passed away on December 30, 2024 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. William “Bill” was born on June 12, 1950 in Jacinto City, TX and attended North Shore Senior High School until enlisting into the United States Navy at the age of 18 on November 07, 1968. Commanded under the US Naval Forces Vietnam (Saigon) he faithfully served our country until being transferred to the Naval Reserve Manpower Center. (Bainbridge, Maryland)

Bill was known throughout the small coastal town of Oyster Creek as Mr. Bill with “all the flags”. Residing on a corner lot, Bill would sit on his front porch receiving waves and honks as fellow members of the community drove by to and from work each day. Bill loved old Western movies such as Shane, High Noon, and Stagecoach. Every evening, Bill adamantly watched the TV show, Tombstone. 

He is survived by a loving family: brother: Robert (Bobby) Smith & (wife Lucinda); sisters: Gloria Atkinson & (husband Rusty), and Mary Barfield of Rusk, TX; nephews: Michael Atkinson & (wife Lorene), Jimmy Barfield of Lake Jackson, TX, Glenn Smith, Kenneth Smith, Paul Blankenship and Dennis Jr.; nieces: Amy Brown & (husband Robert), Gina Barfield, Leah and Shelly Blankenship; along with numerous great nieces and nephews; also by caregiver and friend, Sarah Galloway who will always hear the musical introduction to Tombstone playing in her head as a fond memory.

Preceded in his death are brothers: Johnny Smith and Dennis Smith and sister: Audrey Shelby. 

Bill will be laid to rest at Lowe’s Chapel Cemetery located in Rusk, TX on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to attend.