Roll Call Tribute

Walter Jackson "Bill" Smelley, III 

November 7, 1945 - April 3, 2024 

Walter Jackson "Bill" Smelley III, 78, passed away on April 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at First Baptist Church White Settlement, located at 7801 White Settlement Rd, White Settlement, Texas, 76108. Fellowship with the family will be from 10a.m. to 11a.m. prior to the service. Interment: Private.

Pallbearers: Heath Dittfurth , Josh Ferguson, Troy Lucus, Scott Morrison, Rusty Pendleton and Parker Smelley.

Bill was born November 7, 1945, at Baylor All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1963, attended college at Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University and graduated from Texas Christian University with his bachelor's degree of arts. Bill retired in April 2009 from General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin with 33+ years of service and was very active in the National Management Association (NMA). During that time, he was an active member of the NMA and reached the position of Chairman of the Board.

Bill attended Santa Fe Baptist Church in Weatherford, Texas. He loved reading his bible, which was always with him, living in the country and caring for animals of all kinds. He was a very kind and compassionate person and cared about others deeply. He was not only a gentleman but a gentle man. Bill cherished and loved his children and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Noah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.J. Smelley Jr. and Dorothy Charlene Smelley (Rothlis).

Bill is survived by his children, Valerie King and husband, David King, Brett Smelley and Brian Smelley; grandchild, Noah King; siblings, Rick Smelley and wife, Marsha Smelley, Doreen Julian and husband, Bobby Julian, Diane Lucus and husband, Dale Lucus and Rod Smelley and wife, Stephanie Smelley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Bill's favorite charities; Boys Ranch, Shriners Hospital for Children or the SPCA of Texas.