William Reynolds Smith

"Bill", passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on September 10, 1925 in Bucknell, Iowa to John Henry and Mary Frances Smith. He was 85 years of age and was the 8th of 12 children in the family. Bill lettered in multiple sports before graduating from Valley High School in West Des Moines, IA in 1943. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines and was at Normandy Beach at D Day 2. He was on two vessels which were sunk by mines, one German and one British. He was then drafted out of the Merchant Marines and into the Army Air Corps in 1946 and was then stationed in San Antonio, TX. He was on active duty the day the Air Force was named a separate branch of the military. Bill worked in military recreation while serving in the Air Force. He was stationed in Texas, France, New York, Oklahoma, and Ohio, where he retired in 1966. He continued working for Civil Service at Wright Patterson AFB, OH until 1980. Bill was a resident of Bainbridge Island, WA since 1980. He met his bride of 64 years, Audrey, in San Antonio, Texas. They had 3 children: Dana, Shelley and Tracy. He enjoyed family gatherings, fun with friends, golf, fishing, traveling, gardening and reading. He especially enjoyed books and movies with a Western theme! He is survived by his wife Audrey L. Smith of Bainbridge Island, WA, children; Dana L. Smith (Susan) of El Dorado, Hills, California, Shelley R. Rose of Silverdale, WA and Tracy L. Mandell (Corey) of Mill Creek, WA. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Chaz D. Smith of Bremerton, WA, Chandler R. Mandell of Spokane, WA, Jason Wells (Teresa) of El Dorado Hills, CA, Brandon L. Wells of Citrus Heights, CA, Great grandchildren Hannah M. Wells and Ryah J. Wells both of El Dorado Hills, CA, also his siblings Donald R. Smith (Joanne) and Virginia I. Smith both of West Des Moines, IA, also other beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine of his siblings. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 12:00 noon at The Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Chapel in Silverdale, WA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, Lupus Foundation or Kidney Foundation. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.