William (Bill) Ross Smith

William Ross (Bill R.) Smith, Ph.D. of Seneca, South Carolina, died at home on March 29th, 2021, after battling cancer. September 22nd, 1941, he was born in Stamford, Texas, to Elvira and Ross Smith. Bill’s first experience in agriculture and soils was at age 12 plowing 80 acres of cotton fields on a tworow Ford tractor on his family’s farm. His first paid work was from the Lynn County FSA (Texas) for measuring cotton. Dr. Smith spent more than 50 years doing what he loved, conducting soils research, teaching soil science, and coaching the award-winning Clemson Soils Team. He joined Clemson University Emeritus College in 2006. A tribute can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/3amhxcwa. He graduated from Tahoka High School (Texas), received his bachelor's of science from Texas Tech University, his master's degree from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. Dr. Smith is survived by wife Pamela Davison-Smith of Seneca, brother Robert L. Smith and wife Sharron of Tahoka, Texas; nephew Cody Smith and wife Victoria and sons Zachary and Alec of Pleasanton, California; dear niece, Cindy Kincer of Lubbock, Texas; and a beloved step-daughter Sibyl Haynes of Raleigh, North Carolina.. Bill was an avid fisherman, active in Keowee Anglers, a prolific gardener and loved to cook at home and with Les Marmitons. A celebration of life will be held 2:00 to 5:00 pm on May 1st, 2021, with a tribute at 4:00 pm at the Historic Ballenger House, 212 E South 3rd St, Seneca, South Carolina 29678. Masks are required. IN LEIU OF FLOWERS, memorial gifts may be made to: the Clemson University Foundation. Please direct your gift to the ‘Soil Judging Team Fund’ in memory of Dr. Bill R. Smith. Gifts may be made online at https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving, by phone at (864) 656-5896 or by mail: Clemson University, Annual Giving Office, PO Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633. Memorial gifts may also be made to the Oconee County Salvation Army (PO BOX 536 Seneca SC 29679). KEOWEE FUNERAL SERVICES IS ASSISTING THE SMITH FAMILY.