William H. Smith

William “Bill” Harold Smith, 78, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 12:14 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Bill was born February 16, 1948 in Hamden, Ohio, the son of Bernard Paul and Ida Jeanette (Funk) Smith. Bill worked as a general laborer for many years in the Galva, Kewanee, and Woodhull areas, most notably working at IME (Industrial & Municipal Engineering, Inc.) in Galva. A dedicated patriot, Bill served over 8 years in the US Army with tours in Vietnam earning numerous medals including two bronze stars and the victory medal. He went on to serve 16 years in the Army National Guard, retiring in 1992.

Bill first married Crystal S. Garten. Together they had two children. Bill later married Michelle Marie Miller on July 8, 1978 in Galva. Michelle survives of Galesburg; as do his children, Rick (Karmell) Smith of North Carolina, Deneé (Greg) Clark of Wisconsin, William Lance Smith of Galva, and Jaclyn (Paul) Smith-Esters of Galesburg. Bill is also survived by six grandchildren, Shelby Brush, Allison Krehbiel, Grace Clark, Avah Clark, Abraham William-Paul Esters, and Jack David Esters; and four great granddaughters. Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by 7 siblings.

Bill deeply loved the Lord and attended First Christian church every Sunday. He was a hardworking husband and father and would take on any job to support his family. The last few years before his retirement, Bill had been working maintenance at his church. He enjoyed fishing, being a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and amassed a large marble collection.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be at Galva Cemetery, Galva, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for an education fund for Abraham and Jack David Esters or the First Christian Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.