Smith

William F. Smith, 84, of Meridian died Sunday at his home.

He was born Aug. 9, 1924, in Butler, a son of the late John J. and Florence Bright Smith.

Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a radioman on torpedo planes in the Pacific theater. He also accompanied Adm. Byrd on one of his famous trip to Antarctica.

He worked at Butler Armco. He retired in 1986 as an electrician on Aisle 2 after 40 years.

Bill was a member of St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church in Meridian and VFW Post 249 in Butler. He also was a member of the C.W. Ricks Golf League, and he bowled in the Wednesday Night League at Meridian Lanes. He also greatly enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

His wife, Sara L. Kelly Smith, whom he married Sept. 17, 1945, preceded him in death Aug. 5, 1997. Four brothers, Robert, Clyde, George, and Thomas Smith also preceded him in death.

Surviving are three sons and their wives, William A. and Connie Smith of Butler, John E. and Cheryl Smith of Rock Falls, Ill., and James E. and Debbie Smith of Evans City; two brothers, James Smith of Virginia and Jack Smith of Omaha, Neb.; eight grandchildren, John, Tammy, Bill, Heather, Kim, Michelle, Chris and A.J. Five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive him.

He will be greatly missed by his dog, Sugar.

<B>SMITH</B> — There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian burial for William F. Smith, who died Sunday, March 8, 2009, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church in Meridian with Father James Murphy, pastor, officiating. Cremation services provided by the <B>Geibel Funeral Home,</B> 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Unit of the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2305, Butler, PA 16003.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.