William Lee Smith

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William Lee Smith, on November 7, 2025.

Bill married the love of his life, Laura Butler Smith, and together they shared 49 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Bill was known for his devotion to family, his sharp sense of humor, and his playful spirit of mischief. Bill cherished the lifelong friendships he built over the years. He loved spending time at the beach, woodworking, hunting, shooting skeet, and riding his motorcycle. Above all, he found his greatest happiness in spoiling his grandchildren, Sawyer and Julia.

A graduate of Hopewell High School and the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, Bill built a successful career at Reynolds Metals and Philip Morris before retiring early to enjoy his hobbies and to pursue his mission of packing as much fun as possible into every single day.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Marie Wyatt Smith and Robert Floyd Smith.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Laura; his daughter, Shannon Smith Hagan and son-in-law, Brian Hagan; his cherished grandchildren, Sawyer and Julia Hagan; his brother, Robert Smith; sister-in-law, Dianne Smith; and nephew, Clay Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

A celebration of life will be held to honor Bill's remarkable spirit and legacy. Details will be shared at a later date.