William C. “Smitty” Smith, age 88 of Purcell, passed away Wednesday December 11, 2013, at the Sunset Estates Nursing Home. William Charles Smith was born February 13, 1925, in Wayne, Michigan, the 6th of 7 children born to John David Smith and Anna Catherine (Neff) Smith. Bill “Smitty” grew up in Detroit, MI and attended school there. While in high school, he joined the United States Navy and served his country proudly in World War II. After returning from the war, Smitty returned home to the states and was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Lexington, OK. It was here, that he met his true love; a young lady from Purcell named Reba Gosvenor. They fell in love and were married on June 2, 1946 at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. They made their home there, where together they raised two daughters, Nancy and Sally. Smitty was a hard worker and a good provider for his family. He barbered in Purcell and Norman for several years and then worked in retail sales for many years at Mace’s and later at C.R. Anthony, both in Purcell. Smitty loved to sing and was a member of a Barber Shop Quartet at one time. He later used his talents and voice serving the Lord as a music leader. Smitty and Reba served faithfully at Union Hill Baptist Church, First Baptist Church in Purcell and later at Belleview Baptist Church in Goldsby. For the last ten years, he has called First Baptist Church in Purcell his home. He enjoyed fishing, wood carving and was an avid sports fan of all Michigan teams. He cherished his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Smitty was a wonderful man who will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by: His wife, Reba in June of 2011; His parents, John and Anna Smith, and 5 brothers, Marv, Jack, Bob, George and Dolph Smith.

Smitty leaves behind: His daughters, Nancy Lamb and husband Kenny of Whitesboro, TX and Sally Frankenberg and husband Grant Jr. of Flower Mound, TX; His sister, Marge Dodge of Westland, Michigan; 4 grandchildren, Ash Lamb and wife Brandy of Whitesboro, TX, BG Frankenberg of Norman, OK, Corey Lamb and wife Ginny of Princeton, TX and Bailey Frankenberg of Queens, NY; 4 Great grandchildren, Brooklynn and Colby and Trae and Trinity Lamb and A host of other family and friends.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, December 14, 2013, at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home of Purcell.