William Bryant (Bill) Smith, formerly of Springdale and Butterfield Village, died on December 17,2008 at the Veteran’s Victory House in Walterboro, South Carolina.  He was born on March 26, 1920 in Bellville, Texas to Jennie Linde and Frederick Smith.  Growing up, he was always known for his superb athletic abilities, thus leading to his first career. 

While a Senior in High School he was signed by the Saint Louis Cardinals to play on one of their minor professional teams.  He began his baseball career with the Houston Oilers upon graduation and played from 1938-1941 before entering the army during World War II.  During the war he severed as a medical corpsman station in England

After the war, he returned to the baseball and was even scouted for the Major Leagues.  Unfortunately, his pitching arm was too weak and thus, he continued his minor league career while living in Houston.  

He finally left baseball and worked for many years for Signal Oil and Gas.  In 1964, he moved his family to Springdale, AR where he mainly worked for Southern Electric Company until retirement.  In 2007, he moved to Beaufort, South Carolina to live with his daughter due to medical problems.  His last days were spent at the Veteran’s Victory House.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Stanley Smith, who was killed during the war.  He is survived by a son, Bill Smith, of Springdale, AR, a daughter, Vicky Sloan of Beaufort, SC, and a grandson, Drew Sloan of Cambridge, MA.

As a person, Bill never met a stranger and had a smile on his face for all.  He was a caring father and grandfather and is deeply missed by both family and friends.