William Lee Smith, 85, of Gun Barrel City, passed at his home surrounded by his family, March 27, 2023. He was born Sept. 1, 1937 in Kaufman County to his late parents Ransom S. Smith and Oneita Parsons Smith. 
William was named after his grandfather and always preferred to be called William. He joined the National Guard after graduating Kemp High School in 1958 and while serving he was called to active service in October 1961 where he started as a tanker but moved to cooking.  
He kept his joy and experience in cooking especially during the holidays, where he was famous for his turkey and dressing and chicken and dumplings.  
He married the love of his life Betty McGlaun, Oct. 23, 1961 and they have been married for 61 years.  
He started working for Sears Catalog in 1958 and retired from Sears Catalog in 1992 as a supervisor. William enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening but mostly he enjoyed coaching and cheering on his children. He coached in the Special Olympics and started a Christian slow pitch softball league.  
William loved his church and was an ordained Deacon at the Legendary Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City. He also enjoyed doing mission trips and RA Camps with the youth. 
William was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Oddie “Sonny,” Bobby and Ronnie Smith and daughter-in-law Melissa Smith. 
He is survived by his wife, children David Lee Smith, Mikeal D. Smith, Lisa Annette Muirhead and her husband Greg, grandchildren Corey Guthrie, Desiree Smith, Jonathan Smith and Michael Smith, great-grandchildren Braeden Guthrie, Dominick Smith–Wheeler, Carter Smith and Damon Smith, brothers Harold Smith and his wife Mollie, Jimmy Smith and wife Kathryn and James Smith and wife Nancy and brother-in-law Garry McGlaun and wife Margaret.  
A Celebration of Life was held April 2, 2023 at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Mabank.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Legendary Baptist Church or Mabank Special Olympics, PO Box 122, Mabank, Texas.