William R. "Bill" Smith

12/12/1947 - 6/6/2016

William R. "Bill" Smith, age 68, of Carlisle, passed away Monday, June 6, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born December 12, 1947 in Harrisburg, PA to the late Warren G. and Geraldine (Gasswint) Smith.
Bill retired from Tuckey Metal Fabricators as a shop foreman in the fabrication department. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War having served as a Sergeant in the 1st Recon Battalion, First Marine Division, United States Marine Corps where he received four Purple Heart medals for injuries sustained in combat. He received the Navy Marine Corps Combat Action medal, Good Conduct medal, Meritorious Service medal, the Naval Commendation medal, a Presidential Unit Citation and a Vietnam Campaign medal with 5 stars. Bill was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlisle and was Vice-Commander of the Carlisle Vietnam Veterans. He was one of the founders of the Bushido Karate Club in New Cumberland and was a 9th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with 48 years of experience. He was an instructor at Joerg's American Karate Studio in Mechanicsburg with lifelong friend, Tom Joerg.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Susan F. (Lenkowski) Smith of Carlisle; a daughter, Stacy L. (and husband William) Snyder of Gratz; two step-sons, Kevin (and wife Beth) Miller of Lusby, MD and Tim M. (and wife Amy) Miller of Collegeville, PA; his twin brother, Robert B. (and wife Norma) Smith of Lewisberry; a sister, Dorothy E. (and husband Kerry) Sanders of Columbia, PA; a sister-in-law, Ivi Smith of Quebec, Canada; two grandchildren, Michael and Alysia Wilt; four step-grandchildren, Alex, Dillon, Madison and Grant Miller; and seven nephews and two nieces. He was preceded by a brother, Wayne Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA with the Very Rev. William C. Forrey officiating. Burial will be at Letort Cemetery, Carlisle with military honors being provided by the Cumberland County Honor Guard. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the services with Final Salute Honors rendered by the Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Detachment of the Marine Corps League of Carlisle.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Celtic Hospice, 220 Wilson Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.

William R. "Bill" Smith

It is with deep sadness that I report the news of the death of William (Bill) Smith age 68. Bill passed away Monday, June 6th, 2016. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends and all his Recon Buddies from the 1st Recon Battalion Association. We give thanks for Bill's life.

We give thanks for

Bill's life

Go in peace and remember you are not forgotten while I am still on patrol.

He came this way but once. Yet, he touched our lives in many ways while he was here. We shall remain eternally grateful for his friendship and for the influence he bestowed upon us.

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Obituary

Alpha & Bravo Companies 67-68

William "Bill" Smith

Sergeant William R. "Bill" Smith  OBITUARY
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June 8, 2016
1st Recon Bn Swift Silent Deadly
R I P Marine..Semper Fi and oorah!

June 8, 2016
Sorry for your loss of a great man. Bill is gone but will never be forgotten, a true friend.
Semper Fi!
Steve Otstot Otstot, San Tan Valley, AZ

June 9, 2016
Stacy,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. I don't think I have ever met him but I remember you talking about him when we were at MASH. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Jen Schade (Yohe)

June 10, 2016
We met Bill and Susan on a bus trip to the Outer Banks a few years ago. Enjoyed dinner with them several times and loved talking with him. He was a fine American and a fellow Vietnam Vet. I am glad our paths crossed and that we got to know him briefly. To Susan, his family and friends,cherish the memories. I know I will!