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Obituary for Colonel Wilburn "Bill" Eugene Smith, USA
Colonel Wilburn “Bill” Eugene Smith (1924-2017) Wilburn Eugene “Bill” Smith was born in Martin, Tennessee on August 17, 1924. He was affectionately known as “Daddy Bill” to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and their friends. Daddy Bill leaves behind three children: Sandra (John) Shingler, Libby (Pete) Cajoleas, and Keith (Barbara) Smith; eight grandchildren: Shelby, John Hampton, Jimmy, Chris, Carlie, Cameron, Brandon and Taylor; four great grandchildren: Jack, Tully, Salem and Hershel. He loved his family, especially his wife, Marylee (“Mermee”), to whom he was married for 62 years and who predeceased him in February 2012. Daddy Bill had a great sense of humor and could be heard whistling and singing around the house, always quick to greet a friend or neighbor and visit awhile. He was an excellent dancer and loved music. There were no strangers with Daddy Bill, and he always made everyone around him feel welcome and comfortable. He was a wonderful friend to his grandchildren as they grew up, playing games in the backyard and always cooking outside at every family holiday. He and Mermee attended all of their grandchildren’s events and supported them in all they did. Daddy Bill in particular was a cheerful presence at sporting events, quick to holler encouragement from the bleachers, as well as the occasional good-natured heckle towards opposing teams. In his later years, Daddy Bill and Mermee retired to the country, where he loved riding his tractor and “puttering” around the land. In 1964 Daddy Bill left his financial job as a certified NY Stock Exchange broker and began his insurance career in Mississippi as a company representative, then as an independent agent and general agent, a career spanning 52 years. He served his industry by being appointed to the Mississippi Insurance Commission in 1980. He acted as President of the Professional Insurance Agents of MS and was a long-term member, serving the association with enthusiasm and pride. He paved the way for a generation of successful insurance agents over the years with his influence and willingness to mentor younger agents. Daddy Bill was a member of the North Jackson Lions Club for over forty years, tirelessly serving as President and in other official capacities. He was a willing volunteer at fundraisers and was fully committed to Lions’ support for projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and care for people throughout Mississippi. Daddy Bill served in WWII and the Korean War. He served in the Tennessee and Mississippi Army National Guards, and was an Army Reserve Officers Instructor. His military career spanned over 45 years, and he earned the rank of Colonel. He was also an active member of the Central Mississippi Military Officers Association, attending monthly meetings and serving in multiple official positions. He was a long time active member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, where he served for years as a deacon, usher, and Training Union Director, as well as singing in the sanctuary choir. We want to thank the staff at the Mississippi Veterans Home in Jackson for the wonderful love and care they gave Daddy Bill, and also the residents for their love and friendship to our family. Also, we thank the St. Joseph Hospice team who provided supplemental support throughout his time at the Veterans Home.
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