- Date Of Birth: July 15, 1941
- Date Of Death: October 4, 2009
- State: Indiana
William R. (“Bill”) Smith passed away at his home near Nashville, IN on October 4, 2009.
Bill was born on July 15, 1941 to Ray O. And Lois (Rishling) Smith in Rensselaer, IN, both of whom predeceased him. Bill was a lifelong resident of Rensselaer until his retirement in 2004, when he and his wife, Linda, “moved to the hills” near Nashville. Bill graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1959 and began a career in farming with his father. Bill soon discovered that he had a talent for agri-business and embarked on a long career in this field with Heinhold Elevator in Rensselaer. Over the years, Bill continued his work in agri-business in Rensselaer with Cargill and Jasper County Farm Bureau, from which he retired. Throughout his career Bill made many friends in the farming and agri-business community of Rensselaer. Bill met the love of his life, Linda Wilds Smith in Lafayette, IN and they married on August 21, 1965.
Bill and Linda, who survives, made their home and raised their family in Rensselaer. By 2004 Bill and Linda were ready to move to the hills of Brown County, IN and begin their retirement. During his retirement, Bill enjoyed morning coffee with his friends at Brownie’s restaurant and his part-time job at Lowe’s in Bloomington.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his daughter, Diane Smith, and his son, Chris Smith (wife Laura Crawford-Smith). Bill is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Stevens (husband Jerry) and Joyce Wall (husband Wayne), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Bill is also survived by all his friends in the Rensselaer and Nashville communities, all of whom will remember Bill’s engaging wit and winning smile.
