William "Bill" Gerald Smith

William G. (Bill) Smith, Leola PA, died on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Hospice and Community Care Lancaster, after battling a very aggressive form of cancer. Always the competitor, he fought valiantly throughout.

Born in 1943 in Lancaster PA, to William W. and Helen Shenberger Smith, he grew up in Lititz, graduating from Warwick High School in 1961. He proudly added “near the bottom of his class.” He lived a full and wonderful life. In the 60s and 70s he was the lead singer and guitarist in several local Rock and Roll bands. While a student in New Mexico he took a summer job as a counselor at Anderson Camps in Gypsum, Colorado, a high-country adventure. He spent six summers there as a counselor, Director of the white-water rafting program, and later, Administrator of the camps.

He earned a B.A. from Millersville University, a Masters Degree in Philosophy from the University of Delaware, and a PhD from the University of New Mexico. He taught Philosophy at New Mexico Highlands University from 1974 to 1983, and was the Department Chair. He then received a position at Millersville University where he was promoted to Full Professor, was Department Chair and President of APSCUF/MU, retiring in 2010. He published two books on Philosophy in Film: “Plato and Popcorn” and “Socrates and Subtitles”.

Bill was an avid reader of American and European literature and books of History. He even read some banned books! In his later life he loved to travel. Destinations were Civil War sites, National Parks and the countries of England, Ireland, France, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Iceland. He trekked from the Mexican/US border to the Yucatan. He was a faithful Philadelphia Flyers fans, through the good and the bad seasons.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Donna Wealand Smith. As soulmates, she nursed him through a multitude of health issues. Being a kidney transplant recipient, Bill was an advocate for organ donation. There is no greater gift than the Gift of Life.

Bill and Donna golfed together, competed against each other in thousands of games of Parcheesi, and were addicted to pickleball - playing at both the Ephrata Recreation Center and in Green Valley, Arizona where they spent 13 wonderful years. They were inseparable, with love and laughter surrounding them.

Bill is also survived by his former wife Susan Banker, mother of their children Jason Smith (Michelle Smith) and Tess Smith (Marco Nicotra), grandchildren Kilian and Mikaela Smith; blended family Jodi and Ken Memery, their children Megan and Lauren Memery; Matt and Andi Hill , their children Kailin Kirchner and Gabe Hill, and cousin Mark Helt. He was predeceased by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and cousin Mike Helt.

Bill wants it known that he was exceptionally proud of his children and their accomplishments. He attended every track meet of theirs at Penn Manor High School, Penn State and James Madison University. Both Jason and Tess currently live in Colorado, being active in the outdoor adventurers Bill introduced them to: running, skiing, hiking, and travel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia PA 19123 or at www.donors1.org/gift

Arrangements by Stadling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at Stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Brought to you by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc.

William "Bill" Gerald Smith

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

August 6, 1943 - December 13, 2024

Brought to you by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc.

William "Bill" Gerald Smith

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

August 6, 1943 - December 13, 2024

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