William Carl Smith

William Carl Smith Sr. departed this earthly life peacefully on September 24, 2025 at Via Elagante in Hereford, AZ due to a long illness and COPD.  He was born  to Lee Carl (Jack) Smith and Fay Lucille Lindley in Portales, New Mexico, on January 25, 1939.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Troy, Roy and Oscar Smith. He is Survived by spouse Polly Smith  of Hereford, AZ,  preceded in death by spouse Joyce D. Smith of 54 years and survived by children Vickie Van Dyke of Modesto, CA, Bill Smith (Shawna) of Eufaula, OK and Connie Grivette (Don) of Wichita,  KS-and step children Kathy Robinson (Sam) of Frost, Tx, Greg Pennington (Tami) of Sierra Vista, AZ , Lorii Anderson (Craig) of Turlock, CA, Leisa Williams (Neil) of Turlock, CA, Deirdre Wooldridge  of Hereford, AZ and Dan Pennington (Minna) of Dixon, CA and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson.  He loved his family dearly and was always supportive of them and very proud of each of them. He is also survived by his cousin Morris Thornton of Lathrop, CA and sister Deana Swickert (Ray) of Escalon, CA.  

Carl spent his early years between Kelseyville, CA and Modesto,  CA.  He graduated high school in the class of 1957 from Kelseyville. He was very active in sports and very proud to have been a member of the US championship 6 man football team from Kelseyville.  In later years he coached youth baseball and football in Oakdale. He also had his own country  band in High school and played at many places in Lake and Stanislaus counties. He loved country music and Merle Haggard in particular 

Carl was a glazier by trade, owning Oakdale Glass at one point, a building contractor and a rancher by choice.  He was a member of the Oakdale Rodeo Ass’n as well as the California mule Ass’n.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved riding his horses and mule Charlie. He and Charlie rode in the Rose Parade a time or two. He enjoyed gardening and growing roses especially. 

He lived in Oakdale, CA; Wichita,  KS; and Hereford, AZ during his lifetime.

He loved people and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help.

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