William E. (Bill) Smith, son of Claybourne Smith and Ruth (Carnine) Smith, was born on
August 22, 1930,  on a farm near Hartford, Kansas.  He passed away on April 26, 2025, at Republic County Hospital - ISB, Belleville, Kansas at the age of 94.

Bill received his education at Hartford High School, Newman Hospital School of Nursing, Washburn University and The University of Kansas City Dental School. 

Bill was united in marriage to Mildred Davis  on September 6, 1953. To this union three children were born: Susan, Steven, and William James (Jimmy). The couple lived in Topeka, Kansas City, Belleville, and North Port, Florida, returning to Belleville in 2014.  

Bill began a career as a registered nurse in 1950.  During that time he also served as an officer and registered nurse in the Kansas National Guard in Topeka.  He and Mildred moved to Kansas City in 1952 where he continued a part-time nursing career while attending dental school at The University of Kansas City.  After attaining the Degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1960, the family  moved to Belleville, Kansas.  Bill began a dental practice in Belleville at that time.  He became a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry in July 1984. He continued practicing dentistry until his retirement in 1993.  Bill and Mildred then moved to Florida, residing in North Port, Florida until moving back to Belleville in 2014.

Bill was a member of the Belleville Presbyterian Church and the Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice, Florida serving in several capacities in the governing body of the church.  Bill enjoyed many activities throughout his life. He was an instrument-rated pilot, loved fishing, boating, golfing, woodworking, and making jewelry and stained glass.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Claybourne and Ruth; sister, Arlene Benson; son, Jimmy; and his wife of 70 years, Mildred.  He is survived by daughter, Susan (Terry) Jelinek of Munden, KS;  son, Steven (Ann) Smith of Lexington, NC; three grandchildren: Holly (Joe) Giammanco of Kansas City, MO; Tegan (Mark) Wagner of Huntersville, NC; and Jadd Smith of Huntersville, NC; one great-granddaughter, Lila Wagner; sister-in law, Rosa Geske of Mesa, AZ; as well as other relatives and many friends.  

Cremation was selected. The family will greet friends from 10 AM until 11:30 AM  on Saturday, June 14 at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th Street, Belleville, Kansas. Following the greeting of friends, at approximately 11:30 AM, a Graveside Service for both Bill and Mildred Smith will be held for friends and family at the Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, KS, with Lay Pastor, Deb Hadachek officiating. Interment will follow the services at Belleville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested in Bill’s name to Republic County Hospital - ISB, 2420 G Street, Belleville, KS.

Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is assisting the family with the arrangements.