June 27, 1943 – July 4, 2026

William H. Smith, 83, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026 surrounded by his family. William, also known as Bill, Butch or Nummy, was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Clifford and Helen Denning Smith.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 20 years Mary Hardesty Smith; daughter Laurie Smith Perry (Tim); son Bill Smith, Jr.; stepdaughter Marlene Cruite (John); stepdaughters Michelle Sailor Berson (Bob); Gail Sailor Reisinger (Del); stepson Jim Sailor; granddaughters Lindsay, Megan and Savanna; grandsons Matthew, Lee and Daniel; seven great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 14 years Jean Sailor Smith; his brothers Garland "Gardy," Clifford "Sonny," and Thomas "Boo" Smith; his sisters Cynthia "Cindy" Pauler and Helen Marie Nelson; his daughter Amy Patricia Smith Puckett (and her mother Pat Smith); son-in-law William "Marshall" Perry, Jr.; and stepsons John Sailor and Charles Hardesty.

Bill graduated from St. Paul's High School in 1961.  He served in the Army National Guard, then worked at Western Electric which later became AT&T and Lucent Technologies.  He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church until he moved to Florida when he retired.

Bill will be remembered by his family and friends as a devoted loving husband, father and grandfather.  He was known for his infectious sense of humor, boundless energy, and playful spirit.  His warm smile and lively personality brightened the lives of everyone who knew him.

The family will receive friends and family from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, July 13th at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14th, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Sturgill Hospice House, 12242 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613 or St. Paul Catholic Church Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.