William Richard Smith

William Richard Smith, 82, of Swannanoa, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 30, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Smith; four daughters, Evelyn Liebel (Bruce) of West Seneca, NY, Susan Steinback (Rick) of Boiling Springs, SC, Maureen Swann (Tim) of Swannanoa and Wendy Balot, of Swannanoa. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; Thomas Liebel of Sierra Vista, AZ, Jenna Liebel Walczyk (Stephen) of Depew, NY, Joshua Steinback of Spartanburg, SC, Andrew Kirchmeyer (Emily) of Swannanoa, Jeremiah Swann (Becky) of Black Mountain, Nicholas Swann (Niki) of Black Mountain, Whitney Swann Harvey (Michael) of Asheville, Christopher Balot of San Diego, CA, Megan Balot of Charleston, SC and nine great-grandchildren. Bill was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, but at a very young age, his family relocated to Niagara Falls, NY. After high school, while attending Alfred University, he was called to serve his country as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1953-1955 and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After his time of service, he went on to work as a mechanical engineer at Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He and his family relocated from Western New York to the Asheville area in 1977 as a result of a company transfer and retired from Westinghouse after 42 years of service. In 1998, he was inducted into the Niagara Falls, NY Student/Athletic Hall of Fame. During his 4 years of high school, he was awarded 13 athletic letters participating in football, basketball, track and tennis. He was also recognized for his student activities and service to his high school and his contribution of community service to the city of Niagara Falls, NY. He was an active member of St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church, where he served as both a Eucharistic Minister and Homebound Minister and also served on various boards and committees within the church. He was a member of the Knights Of Columbus Council 8923, where he was a 3rd degree lifetime charter member. He was a kind, God-loving man who always strived to do what was right. Honesty, integrity, and hardworking are just a few of his many attributes. He never met a stranger and was an instant friend to all. Anything that he became involved in, his role became leader, advisor, the "go to guy." Always wise with his words, he was a role model to many and will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. Other than God, what was most important to him was his family. For generations, his legacy will live on and memories will be cherished forever. A Rosary will be said at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Immediately following the Rosary, the family will receive friends at the funeral home until 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church with Father Adrian Porras officiating. Interment will follow at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you make a memorial contribution in Bill's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).