William Taylor “Bill” Smith

William Taylor “Bill” Smith, 88, departed this life on October 5, 2026. He was born October 7, 1937, in Cecil, Arkansas, to Leonard and Carrie June Smith.

Bill graduated from Ozark High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lexington. He later built a career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, retiring as a dam supervisor. Throughout his life, he had a deep love for farming.

Bill’s faith was central to his life. He was an active member of Stockton Christian Church, where he served as an elder and Sunday school superintendent. Above all, he had a deep love for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Smith. Together they shared six children: Charles McMahon and wife Sue of Johnson City, Texas; Jim McMahon and wife Roni of Stockton, Missouri; Cherre Nietert and husband Rod of Caulksville, Arkansas; Deborah McMahon of Stockton, Missouri; Stephen Smith and wife Pam of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Karen Shilling and husband Glenn of Johnstown, Colorado. He is also survived by one sister, Patti Wisdom and husband Jerry; nine grandchildren, Maggie McMahon (Rob), Taylor Nietert (Robin), Jeremy Nietert (Liz), Lindsey Pannell (Jimmy), Skylar McMahon (Stephanie), Charity Jenkins (Joe), Kayla McMahon, Gabrie Puckett (Brandon), and Lacey Padgett (Quinten); 18 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Carrie June Smith; three sisters, Judy Noggle, Hope Nixon, and Marilyn Smith; three brothers, Leonard Smith, Jim Smith, and Giles Smith; and one grandson, Darius Padgett.

Visitation was held Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bland-Brumback Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Stockton Christian Church.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Nietert, Jeremy Nietert, Reese Nietert, Jimmy Pannell, Rickey Taylor, and Derek Dawes.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Brumback Funeral Home.