William Lee "Bill" Smith

William Lee “Bill” Smith, age 72 of Fort Gratiot, formerly of Yale, went home to be with the Lord on September 6, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born on April 27, 1950 in Sandusky to the late William and Jean Smith. Born and raised on a dairy farm in Yale, Bill’s childhood on the family farm set the stepping stones into the hardworking man he became, while also teaching him how to fix almost anything. He fathered 7 wonderful children and was married to the love of his life, Mary Lou for 44 years. Bill would do anything he could to provide for his family, no matter the sacrifices. They moved to Idaho where Bill took a job with the Sunshine Silver Mine for the next 10 years, having to travel a mile and a half underground to get to the work site. When they moved back to Michigan, he started a position at Wolverine Tractor and Equipment through the Operating Engineers Local #324. Bill later went on to MJ Electric Company until retirement in 2014. Other than working to provide for his family, Bill had many hobbies. Most of which took place in the wilderness. From riding motorcycles and traveling to being an avid outdoorsman with an amazing sense of direction. Most called him a “human compass.” Bill was adamant on teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of loving and respecting the outdoors, including the wildlife that inhabited it. Bill became a very skilled bear hunter and even went on to guiding hunts. He also bred, trained and hunted with Plott Hounds for many years. It wasn’t uncommon to find Bill sleeping in random spots during his hunts, always keeping everyone on their toes and giving them a good laugh. Some may say his guns were his bonus children, keeping at least one in each pocket every time he left. Not only did he love his weapons, but he made sure to teach his children and grandchildren the safety precautions of them. Bill was a very intelligent, funny, hard-working man and it is shown through the love and compassion he had for his children. Not only was he the rock of the family, but even with his grizzly, stern exterior, Bill was the calm in the storm for many. With his big bear hugs, he truly was a gentle giant. And even though he was a big game hunter, he still befriended the local squirrels and racoons. Bill’s story telling was something that everyone looked forward to. His way of painting an image in your mind always had everyone at the edge of their seats. He was an idol, provider, friend and family man. Bill never judged a person based on appearance or background, but let them show their true character. Later in life, Bill found his faith and it became a very important part of who he was. It was a common occurrence for Bill to call his kids and have wonderful conversations on scripture and prayer. Those conversations would often turn into talks of politics and ended shortly after. He truly was the one-of-a-kind role model that most aspire to have. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Smith, daughter and son-in-law, Tammy (Rick) Schefka, grandchildren, Sydney and Brody; son and daughter-in-law, Bret (Kathie) Smith, grandchildren Gavin and Gabi along with great grandson, Boone; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie (Danny) Bucu, grandchildren, Drew, Drey and Dane along with great grandson, Colton; son and daughter-in-law, William (Jamie) Smith, grandchildren, Camryn and Maliyah; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey (Alyssa) Smith, grandchildren, Ethan and Hannah; son, Joseph Smith, grandchildren, Justin and Jayden; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa (Eric) Yeary, grandson, Jordan along with Bills brothers, Tim and Jim Smith and sister, Nancy Bartle. It is said that all the good people get a white robe when they enter heaven, Bill got white camo. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Four Square Sportsman's Association,6777 Cline Road, Grant Township, MI 48032. Cremation arrangements are in the care of, Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Avenue, Port Huron. To view the obituary and share memories, please visit www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com

William Lee "Bill" Smith

April 27, 1950 - September 6, 2022