William A. Smith

William A. "Bill" Smith, 86, of Amarillo passed from this life on Friday, March 29, 2019.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Coulter Road Chapel. The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019 at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Funeral Directors.

Bill was born December 29, 1932, in Fruita, Colorado to Sherman D. and Hallie Carolyn (Treadway) Smith. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Central Pilgrim College (currently known as Oklahoma Wesleyan University) in Bartlesville, OK. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953 and served for two years during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged as a Corporal on February 17, 1955. Nine days after his discharge from the Army, in Grand Junction, Colorado, he married the love of his life, Leona Rose Sawtelle. They were inseparable ever since. Together they raised three children, Denise, Denitta and Eric.

Bill surrendered his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in 1960. He never looked back and he never slowed down in his faithful service. He joyfully served as a Minister with the United Methodist Church for 31 years in Oklahoma. He and Leona attended St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Amarillo.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Virginia Carr.

Left to cherish his memory are his bride of 64 years, Leona, of the home; two daughters, Denise Pitman and husband Ted of Ft. Sumner, NM, Denitta Maness and husband Gary of Boise City, OK and one son, Eric Smith and wife Karen of Canyon. He is also survived by one brother, Gary Smith of Winnemucca, Nevada; seven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.