Wilson “Bill” Smith

January 24, 2024

Wilson (Bill) Smith of State College, PA, passed away January 24, 2024, after a long illness. Born November 1, 1934, in Honesdale, PA, he graduated from Honesdale High School in the class of 1952. In 1957, Bill graduated from Penn State with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Over the span of his career, he was employed by Glace and Glace of Harrisburg, and Seibert & Smith, Huth Engineers and HRG of Lancaster. He lived a large portion of his life in Lititz, PA, where he was actively involved in the community, as well as in the life of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster.

In 1993, he and his wife of 67 years retired to Wellington, FL, where they lived for 35 years. There he was active in St. Peter’s Methodist Church and volunteered in several charitable organizations. In the summer of this year, he and his wife moved to State College, PA, where they have been living with their daughter.

Wilson was the son of Bryce Davey Smith, who was killed in WWII, and Leila Gaylord McDonough. He is survived by his wife, Debra Diehm Smith, and four daughters: Doria Osborn (David) of Gettysburg, PA, Sharon Childs of State College, PA, Linda Smith of Baltimore, MD, and Pamela Gibble (Matthew) of Broomfield, CO. Also surviving him are his brother, Donald Smith of Landisville, PA, and his sister, Nancy Smith of Whitehall, PA. Preceding him in death were two brothers, Gaylord and Richard Smith. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Miles Rivas (Lauren) of Westminster, MD, Casey Wilbur (Gina) of Tega Cay, SC, Amanda Van Dien of Rutland, VT, Benjamin Gibble of Broomfield, CO, and three great-grandchildren, Maddox and Emilia Rivas and Keira Van Dien.

A memorial service for Wilson will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke St., Lancaster, PA, at 11AM on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The family will greet guests in the library of the church Parish House an hour prior to the service. All who are attending are welcome to join the family in the Fondersmith Auditorium for a luncheon following the service.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those that are interested, please donate to their favorite charity in Wilson’s name.