William Howard Smith
(June 17, 1918 ~ January 22, 2017)

William Howard Smith 98 of Huntington, WV passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Beard Mortuary with Pastor Jeff Garrett officiating. Burial and Military Rites will follow at Woodmere Memorial Park.  He was born June 17, 1918 the son of the late Earl and Edith Owens Smith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jessie A. Huffman Smith; a sister, Eva Marie Shafer; two brothers, Raymond and Harold Smith and two nephews, Charles and Randy Smith. He graduated from Huntington High School where he played fullback for Jackie Hunt and they won the State Football Championship in 1938. In WWII he served in the Navy on the USS Shangri-La, the first aircraft carrier to enter Tokyo Japan after the signing of the Peace Treaty to end WWII. He was a member of Community of Grace United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 9738, and a life member of the Elks Club. He was also a member of Western Star Lodge #11 A.F.& A.M., Guyandotte,; Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Valley of Huntington Orient of WV 32 degree, Beni  Kedem Shriners, Charleston, WV. He was retired with 37 years of service from INCO (Nickel Plant). After his retirement he enjoyed traveling and spending his winters in Boca Raton, FL., where he played golf and loved watching The Ponies Run.  William spent his last 18 months residing at The Village at Riverview, where he met and became friends with the staff and residents. He was extremely happy and truly loved his time there. He is survived by his loving son and daughter-in-law, Clyde and Vivian Smith of Huntington, WV; two nephews, Richard (Robin) Smith and Danny Smith and a host of friends.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  at Beard Mortuary