William "Bill" W. Smith

William (“Bill”) W. Smith, 85, of Chapel Hill, died Saturday Nov 1, 2025, after a brief illness. Bill was the fourth child of the late Jay F. and Sybil Smith of Walters, Oklahoma.

After graduating from Walters High School in 1958, Bill started his college career at Lubbock Christian College and received his BS in Education at Southeast Oklahoma State College. In 1961, he went to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he earned his MS in 1963, and his PhD in Mathematics in 1965 from Louisiana State University (LSU). Bill began his career as a college instructor in 1965, when he moved to Chapel Hill, NC and joined the UNC Math Department as an Assistant Professor. He served as Chairman of the Math department from 1976 to 1981 and was awarded full Professor status in 1979. He worked as the Special Assistant to the Provost, followed by a position as the Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. Bill was awarded Professor Emeritus Status upon his retirement from the University in 2009. Bill had 55 papers published in Math Journals and his work has been cited over 500 times in the literature. Colleagues agreed that Bill was a great mentor to students and Faculty and would always be available if needed.

Bill was the proud father of Deanna, David, and Laura. When he married Brenda Kirby in November 1993, he became the loving stepfather to Shannon and Derek. He was a devoted Father who always made time to help coach or show up for practices, games, and school events.

Bill was a member, lay minister, and worship leader at the Chapel Hill Church of Christ from 1965 to 2005, when the church dissolved. He then joined Orange Chapel Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, sang in the Choir and served as the church treasurer. Bill was a servant to both his Lord and Fellow man, volunteering with the Inter Faith Council of Chapel Hill and delivering furniture to those in need. Bill was known for his easy-going nature and dry sense of humor. He was a gifted storyteller and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Bill and Brenda traveled extensively, taking cruises, joining group tours, exploring Europe, and, of course, following their beloved Tarheels to bowl games and Final Fours.

Bill enjoyed Golf, especially the annual trip to Pinehurst with the boys. Even when Father Time slowed down his swing, he would make the trip and enjoy the company of family.

This Oklahoma farm boy was a big fan of the beach, enjoying long walks and hours in a rocking chair watching the waves. He rarely missed sandy vacations with longtime friend Dick Richardson, at the close of each Spring Semester. The annual Smith-Kirby reunion in Surf City presented a cherished opportunity for kids young and old to gather around Nana K and Ol Grandad for games, jokes, sing-a-longs, and lots of love.

Even Bill’s youngest grandchildren will remember his love for silly television, with Space Balls and SpongeBob never getting old. Bill’s collection of holiday animatronics could sometimes be crude, but he laughed every single time the kids pulled a finger or tickled an ear. After visiting Ol Grandad, it was always fun to walk away with a tube sock full of quarters. And the book of the year ensured lessons and laughter for months after the Christmas celebrations came to a close.

Bill is survived by daughter Deanna; son David (Karen), daughter Laura (Stanley) son Shannon (Arlene) and son Derek (TJ). Bill had 7 grandchildren Emily, Tate, Jordan, Michael, Mason, Jayden and Chase and 2 great grandchildren, Connor and Evelyn.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Brenda, His parents and brothers Jay, Richard, James, and sister Julia. Bill’s celebration of life will be Dec 6, 2025, at 11 am at Orange Chapel Global Methodist Church in White Cross, NC.