William P. "Bill" Smith

William P. “Bill” Smith, 81, of Manheim and formerly of Randallstown, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Lancaster General Hospital of heart failure. For 59 wonderful years, he was the beloved husband of Dorothy Mae (Hancock) Smith. Bill was born and raised in Birdsboro, PA by the late George L. and Elizabeth (Lynch) Smith.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by their three children; Thomas W. Smith of San Diego, CA, Catherine J. Gow of LaGrangeville, NY and Sandra A. Smith of Tucson, AZ and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, James E. Smith, Sr of Gibraltar, Joseph D. Smith of Mohnton and his sister Mary Metzker of Macungie. He was predeceased by his brother George L. Smith, and his two sisters, Eleanor Painter and Kathleen Reppert.
Bill was a graduate of Central Catholic High in Reading and a Dairy Science graduate from Penn State’s Class of 1957. Following his marriage to Dorothy, they moved to Maryland and raised their family. He worked as a fieldman for the Maryland Cooperative Milk Producers. After 10 years with the Milk Producers, Bill transitioned to a career with Monarch Life Insurance. He enjoyed a 27-year career with Monarch Life but retired in 1994 following a stroke. In his retirement, he was an avid woodworker. He would take his scroll saw crafts to many shows in MD and PA. After 52 years in MD, he moved back to PA. He always had a smile to share, a story to tell and was ready for a game of cards. Bill loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Bill’s memory to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603.