William A. ‘Smitty’ ‘Bill’ Smith

He was born on August 6, 1960 in Escanaba, son to William H. and Shirley M. (Erickson) Smith. Bill was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1978 and then continued his education at Bay de Noc Community College.

Bill began his career at Mead Paper in 1981 and retired as a train engineer in 2021.

On August 14, 1982, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl A. Jewell in Escanaba and together raised their two children, Jana and Colin.

Bill was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He was very involved in his children’s lives whether coaching baseball or youth wrestling when they were younger and during their adult years, he and Cheryl loved helping their kids with home projects, enjoying family trips, concerts, dinners, and other adventures together. He was a person that always helped others with a project or had one for himself. He accomplished the task of building several of their own houses which he enjoyed doing, including their current “retirement” home. Bill was a person that was so giving of his time and talents.

Bill was an avid golfer, enjoying many tournaments and rounds out on the golf course with Cheryl and friends. He was an active member of the Escanaba Country Club and enjoyed his time there, whether playing golf, helping out with a project, or enjoyed the “19th hole”. Bill also was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge 354.

Among survivors are his wife, Cheryl of Escanaba; children, Jana M. Smith (Matt McLees and his daughter, Millee) and Colin W. Smith (fiancee, Sara Finney); siblings, Sharon Smith, Michael (Vicki) Smith, Robert Smith, and Barbara (Rick) Wasalaski; mother-in-law, Marjorie R. Jewell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, William B. Jewell.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. A gathering and celebration of Bill’s life will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family and a memorial will be established at a later date. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.